The rain didn’t stop us enjoying being outside in the Forest School. So unusual for it to be raining but still be warm, with no wind! The children’s task today was to mix soil, sand, clay and anything else they fancied until they reached a consistency that would hold a shape. A kind of rustic cobb. Then they were challenged to create Blobster creatures using natural materials, they collected from around the site, for detail. What fun they had making a muddy mess. Some children made figures to represent their families, others created characters. Connecting with the earth, with nature and telling stories.
It’s so important for the children to appreciate the joy of being out in the weather, no matter what that might be. It changes our mindset and encourages us to approach tasks differently. Creations may be more transient, unplanned things may happen, but sometimes that can bring about unexpected outcomes. Their smiles say it all, who’s worried about a bit of rain? Not Year 3 that’s for sure.
Principle 2: Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Article 29 – We all have the right to develop our personalities, talents and abilities.
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- Mixing in the mud box.
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- Collecting and sorted their precious finds.
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- Using the mud kitchen to mix.
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- A tree guardian starts to take shape.
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- Everyone so focused.
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- Very proud of her muddy creations.
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- Hmmm smells good too!
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- Meanwhile some transportation was need.
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- Very tricky to master balance but they worked together and got the job done.
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- These boys took a break to watch tv is one of the dens.
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- These girls decided to practice their plaiting skills and knot work.
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- We use formia leaves for den lashings and they are great for any kind of knot.
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- “Don’t step off the ship! There’s shatks in them there waters!”
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- These girls worked really hard together to make a really sticky consistency. Mixing first with sticks , then manilpulating with their hands. Once turned out it held its shape and was really smooth.
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- This shell was a happy little surprise, a long way from home.
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- So happy with all the treasures that he found.
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- He’s heading off into the trees on his first adventure.
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- This Blobbity is a super hero!
