Forest School
We are able to offer our three youngest classes the opportunity to take part in Forest School.
What is Forest School?
Originally a Scandinavian idea, Forest School is learning in the outdoors and a dedicated time for children to experience nature in a safe, secure and hands on way. Forest School gives children the chance to embrace the challenges that a natural environment provides and to learn new skills from first-hand experience. Our sessions will be run on the school site in the wildlife area, making use of the diverse range of flora, fauna and natural resources available to us.
What will happen during a Forest School session?
The themes of learning at Forest School are inspired by the children which means that each session is different. We follow the children’s interests and enthusiasms but at the same time link what we are doing to classroom work and the curriculum. A range of challenging, achievable and fun activities are planned through which the children develop a range of skills. These activities include games, story telling, role play, crafts, species identification and recording information using pictures, words and photographs . Each session will also include a circle time when we share a drink and a snack around our fire circle. The children manage this themselves by taking responsibility for serving the snack and washing up. They will also have the opportunity to learn how to cook on a fire safely, use tools and build shelters.
Forest School Develops:
Confidence and self esteem
Communication and social skills
Physical skills
Greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment
Natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning
The ability to recognise and manage risk
A knowledge of healthier lifestyles
What do I need to provide?
To comfortably spend long periods of time outdoors child will need appropriate clothing.
On dry days – long sleeved top, long trousers, sturdy footwear – no crocs or open toe sandals, sunhat, sun cream.
On wet days – waterproof jackets and trousers, sturdy waterproof footwear
Please don’t forget to send them with their Forest School clothes on a Wednesday.
Can you help?
Forest School is largely about ensuring children are safe. In order to allow them to take risks safely they will often need adult supervision. The greater the number of adults, the wider the variety of practical challenging activities can be offered. The adult role may include supervising rope swings and pond dipping or helping the children with a task such as stick weaving or mud paint. If you can help out for one or more sessions please see the class teacher or the office. Your help is invaluable in making the Forest School experience the best it can be for your children.