A week in Forest School: Spikes, Stings and Sticky Things……….

Nursery had a very busy morning, in class we looked at plants that may be a bit “risky”. Thistles, nettles, brambles etc. Miss Rowe showed the children which insects only live on these plants and why it’s so important we allow areas for these habitats to thrive. We watched a short film about all the different insects that pollinate and how we could encourage more of them to our Forest School. Then we set off to find as many spikes and stings and sticky things we could. This allows the children time to understand the Forest School space, to know where these plants grow and how they might modify their behaviour when playing in those areas. This all works towards their sense of ownership and confidence. After some free time to play in the mud kitchen and on the hammocks we then went to sow some wildflower seeds. The children talked about which insects they expect to see once the flowers bloom. Once they’d sowed the seeds they did a rain dance to try and draw the rain from the clouds….sure enough by the afternoon the drizzle started.

Encouraging the children in Foundation Stage to take supported risks, appropriate to the Forest School environment, forms a bedrock for our Forest School sessions as the children journey through school. As you can see here other year groups progress to much more independent play, using tools, ropes and fire, the aim being that we foster resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

Principle 4: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Article 19 – We all have the right to be protected and feel safe.