Year 4 continue to learn about fire making. After learning to create a spark using a flint and steel, this week it was time to get some ignition taking place. In class we had a lively discussion about fire safety preparation, the things that must happen before you can even contemplate lighting a fire. Once outside the children had to set up the fire pit area with safety equipment; fire box (containing fire first aid, fire blanket, a spade and a bucket of water. Hair and lose clothing tied back or tucked in and the respect position was practiced.
They worked in pairs or small groups and were given small amounts of cotton wool to put in the middle of natural tinder that they had collected. Even with accelerated tinder like this, it is not an easy task to get material to ignite with only a spark. However once that spark takes the children could really see the speed at which fire can catch. Understanding the risks of fire and how we minimise this so we can control it for our enjoyment is an important life skill.
On the main fire pit, children collected and burned sticks to make charcoal, they will then experiment with this in their art lessons..
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 looked after and kept safe.
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- Charcoal sticks going on.
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- Whittling around the camp fire.
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- Success at last. Both in the respect position.
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- Plenty of debate.
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- Hurrah a mighty sword!
