Forest School
Forest School is an opportunity for your child to experience nature and the outdoor environment in a safe, secure and hands on way. The children will be encouraged to explore and investigate their surroundings through multi-sensory play with trained adults. We have a location within the gunpowder grounds which is approximately a 2 minute walk from the school. The site is adjacent to the bridge by Vera’s Paths.
The aim is to understand the ethos of the woods whilst being safe and having fun enabling children to feel confident and to take risks in the outdoors working on teamwork and creativity.
Over a course of six visits the children will have the opportunity to explore, build dens, make fires, design pictures and make muddy faces using all natural materials. The materials used will include leaves, stones, sticks of wood, nettles and lots more and the children will also be using woodwork tools including hammers and saws all under the guidance of adult supervision.
We will be rotating groups on a six week basis. All children will have the opportunity to take part in the Forest School programme. You will be told in advance when your child is attending the designated area. If you are able to help on Wednesday afternoons please see Mrs Cox as soon as possible.
Clothing
The thickness of the clothing will depend on the season:
wellingtons, long trousers, long sleeved top, waterproof jacket, hat.
Forest schools help children..
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
to investigate first hand and find out about the natural world of trees, plants and animals in a woodland setting using all their senses. To experience, observe and record changing weather and seasons. To understand processes of growth and lifecycles. To learn about materials practically investigating, predicting and experimenting.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
to build confidence, independence and self- esteem. To work co-operatively with a partner or in a team to achieve a common goal. To talk about, express and share experiences with peers and adults. To learn about health and safety and the importance of following rules and instructions.
Communication, Language and Literacy
to talk, discuss and make observations with others both adults and peers. To extend language and learn new vocabulary. To listen carefully and respond to a range of stimuli both natural and in the form of stories, rhyme and drama. To write, record their thoughts and experiences through lists, diaries, poetry and prose.
Physical development
access the outdoors participating in exercise increasing spacial awareness and allowing them to experiment with balancing and negotiating obstacles. To play games, have fun and appreciate the world around them. To handle tools and learn to work safely in a controlled environment.
Creative Development
participate in dance, drama and music in a natural setting. To collect and work with natural materials and textures to create pictures and collages. To engage in 'role' and imaginative play.
Mathematical Development
count, categorize and sort by colour, shape and size using a variety of natural materials. To estimate, calculate and make measurements. To investigate and solve problems in a real life situation.
