We started our Forest School session with a game of Keeper of the Keys; we discovered it is a little tricky to run in wellies.
Some of the children worked together to prepare the fire ready for lighting with big sticks at the bottom, working up to smaller ones at the top. Some children used a striker to light cotton wool to add to the fire. I was impressed at how they did not give up until it was lit and how other members of the class helped those that were finding it a little tricky, great teamwork Oaks.
They cored apples and sprinkled them with cinnamon and sugar. The apples were then wrapped in foil and placed on the fire to cook. The result was very popular with many of the children coming back for seconds and saying “I’m making these at home”.
The Impact of Forest School for the children is the knowledge the children have gained from the Forest School experience.
The impact can be seen through the skills gained, tools used, art and craft activities, observations and knowledge of the fruit, plants trees in relation to the seasons and the skills involved in learning how to play Forest School games.
Oaks worked very well together to make a tarpaulin and wooden shelter, the den was then tested to see how waterproof it was. They all climbed inside the den while a bowl of water was thrown over it. The den was found to be pretty waterproof, until the entrance was tested leaving some slightly soggy children!
Some beautiful leaf rubbings were created using charcoal and crayons. They worked out that thicker leaves work best.
There was some great free play on the slack line and all sorts of yummy food creations were made in the mud kitchen, really making the most of the activities our Forest School site has to offer.
One child found a worm which was named Jeff. They worked with some classmates to create him a lovely home inside a wash-ing up bowl. They even found him a worm friend called Jeremy so that he didn’t get lonely.
