In our Forest School this week children from Reception and Nursery looked for materials that would be good for making paintbrushes. They found all sorts of hairy, fluffy, furry and leafy materials. Some of the more dexterous wound these items around and attached them to sticks, others picked plants with the stem attached and these also worked really well. The children stroked the plants over their skin to feel the textures, there was lots of lively discussion about what would work and what sort of patterns they might make.
Through our Forest School sessions we aim to create a deeper relationship between the children and nature. Encouraging them to see the world around them from different perspectives. It’s amazing what you can do with an open mind. Particular favourites today were the Rosebay Willow-herb with its curly and fluffy seed pods, smelly brushes made from pepper and spearmint and some super large doc leaves that created big, streaking strokes. Once the children had filled their bags we returned to the nursery garden where they mixed up some gooey mud to test our their new brushes. What messy fun we had.
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 13 – We all have the right to share what we learn, think and feel with others.
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- They found fluffy brushes.
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- Smelly brushes made from mint.
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- Roesbay Willow herb has curly, fluffy seed pods which make really interesting marks.
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- This will make a good brush.
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- Searching through the long grasses.
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- We shared what we’d found around the fire pit and tried to predict which brushes would work best.
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- Then the painting began.
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- Very happy with her muddy hands.
