Forest School this morning for Year 4 and more rain! But that didn’t dampen our spirits, we headed out to put into practice our fire-making skills. Miss Rowe had some help with the main campfire, the boys laid the tinder and kindling, then had a go at lighting it. Not easy in very wet conditions and only a flint and steel. Once we got the fire going we cooked a variety of foraged treats all grown in our Forest School. Nettle, mint and sage crisps, followed by caramelised apples with fresh rosemary. The children were really enthusiastic and everyone tried something to eat.
Whilst that was happening a group of children practised with the flint and steels and advanced to the ignition stage. It is such a reward to actually create a flame after so much perseverance. An amazing morning where the children showed how confident and committed they can be in some really challenging conditions.
The Risk Principle: 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 kept safe.
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- Smelling the wood shave fire lighters.
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- We added a firelighter to help compensate for the damp.
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- Newspaper all a bit soggy.
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- The boys laid the kindling on top of the tinder.
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- They chose a waffle style fire to draw in plenty of air.
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- Demonstrating the flint and steel.
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- Using the respect position.
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- Striking towards a small ball of cotton wool.
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- Showing his partner how to do it.
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- Though both boys managed to create a spark they struggled to get it to ignite the tinder.
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- We got it going in the end.
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- Blowing the base of the flames to encourage the kindling to catch.
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- A bit too many flames for good cooking.
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- But ok to rustle up some nettle crisps.
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- Very tasty.
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- We tried some mint and sage too.
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- Melting butter for the apples.
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- Apples and rosemary.
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- Delicious and sticky.
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- Meanwhile flint and steel practice.
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- Once they managed to create a spark they were given some cotton wool.
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- Wow, so proud of himself.
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- Other children created willow rings some were for the year 1 children to use but others were decorated to take home.
