Forest Freeplay

Free play sessions are integral to our Forest School ethos, ensuring the children have a confidence and ownership of their environment. Different activities are introduced in these lessons that children can chose to engage in or interpret themselves, alternatively they can use the space and resources around them in a way that they choose.  Observations and reflections of these sessions informs how other lessons are planned and delivered.

Year 2 had a beautiful afternoon in the sun, they made leaf sticks, crowns and grass bouquets. These activities encourage the children to really observe their surroundings in more detail.  Selecting leaves, comparing, touching them. Running their fingers over the veins so seeing how the tree feeds itself, from roots right to the smallest leaf. Searching the grasses and discovering the enormous variety in seeds, in textures, even the way they move in the wind. As sessions like this are ran throughout the year the children really get to see how nature moves through the seasons and is in a constant state of flux.

Meanwhile dens were built,  clay creatures were modelled and of course hens were petted.

6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning

Article 29 – We all have the right to develop our personalities, talents and abilities.