Willows got themselves ready with waterproofs and boots to go and explore Forest School for their first ever session.
As they walked down to Forest School we played a nature identifying game called ‘you are only safe when you are touching …‘. They touched grass, fallen leaves, yellow leaves and their teacher’s yellow wellies.
We explored the Forest School area, looking at what areas are safe and which areas you can only go in if you have an adult with you. They helped to identify some spiky brambles and some nettles that we discussed were best to not touch. They learned they shouldn’t ever eat anything they pick, unless an adult has said it is ok to do so.
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 and trees in relation to the seasons, and the skills involved in learning how to play Forest School games.
They had a chance to explore on their own. They had a go at climbing trees and creating food in the mud kitchen. The slack line was very popular, it was great to see them persevere as they found it a little tricky to start with. They also made Ladybirds that were popped onto the end of a stick to fly round Forest School.
A few children wanted to explore the bug hotel; they found a spider web and some woodlice. They then used hay and gathered leaves and sticks to fill in any gaps within the bug hotel. They said “it will keep them warm” as they worked together to make their improvements.
Willows ended their session by going round the circle and listening to what they had enjoyed about their afternoon at Forest School.
“Making Ladybirds”
“Playing on the slack line”
“I liked filling the bug hotel”
