Willows started their session today by having a look at a selection of animal bones found in the British countryside. To give the children a chance to take a closer look at each skull we passed them around and talked about which animals they were from. We looked at their teeth and talked about which food the animals may eat.
Some of the class helped to get the fire ready by laying down sticks. They starting with larger ones at the bottom with thinner ones at the top. The fire was then lit and a kettle of water, which had been carried down by the children, was placed over the fire to boil.
The children sat and waited patiently for the water to boil. While they waited they got the cups ready for a hot chocolate. The kettle did not take long to boil, the children soon pointed out that water was jumping out the spout! Once the water had boiled the class enjoyed a warm drink around the fire.
The children made the most of the newly cleared space at Forest School. They found mud they could squelch through and thick ice in the mud kitchen which they enjoyed breaking up. There was also some great turn taking on the tyre swing, making sure to help push others in the class while they were waiting for their turn.
Using salt dough and stones with the footprints of animals on one side, the children were able to create their own prints to keep.
The Impact of Forest School for the children is the knowledge the children have gained from the Forest School experience, this 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.
