Rolling down the slope in as many ways possible – that is how we started the session!!  The laughs and giggles were contagious and so lovely to hear.  Then we found our very own ‘Magic Spot’ to go and listen to the birds for a few minutes; a lovely time just to connect with nature.  We all agreed that we felt much calmer after doing this and agreed this could be great strategy to help us calm down, even when we are not in Forest School.

To reinforce that we ‘log off’ from the fire pit, which means stepping outside the log circle rather than walking across it, we played a fun game of duck, duck, goose.  We all watched really carefully to make sure that everyone had a go.

Next up, children were shown how to pond dip safely, ensuring the pond habitat wasn’t disturbed too much.   We all had a go at using the figure of eight movement and putting the contents of the nets into a tray.  We also learnt how to get in and out of a hammock safely – everyone enjyed this part!  There was some super listening.

Before we knew it, choosing time began; some chose to play in the woods an made up their game of hide and seek.  Others chilled and chatted in the hammocks whilst in the background, the muddy kitchen was coming alive with fantastic concoctions.  The Forest school cuddly toys were played with, dandelion wands were crafted and LOTS of wildlife caught in the pond.  There was some brilliant  identification using the keys and photos.  We found hundreds of tadpoles, water boatmen, various larvae to name but  few.  The highlight had to be,,, a female newt!!

There was just time for some hot chocolate and a biscuit during our reflection time.  Everyone spoke up and it is lovely to see that in only 1 week, children’s confidence has grown and they are all finding a voice!  Until next week Forest Schoolers …