what happens at forest school... Katy and Claire are both qualified Level 3 Forest School Leaders, having trained with Archimedes Training.
Recognising the rich, diverse, landscape a wood provides, sessions usually take place outside of the grounds of schools and formal settings. Forest School aims to bring people to a new place, free of any other implications / associations; a place to inspire awe and wonder. The Forest School approach is not about a quick-fix or a one-off experience; Forest School sessions take place over many weeks and months to enable children and young people to explore many different experiences outside. Sessions are specific to those participating and aim to give individuals space to explore their own needs and ideas as well as enable a sense of community… Specific activities and tasks are introduced – and children are able to explore these in ways that meet their individual interests and needs. Activities might include: collecting natural objects and treasure hunts, den and shelter building, following and creating maps, art-work with natural materials, making up stories and songs, games, reating things with tools (always under close supervision), eg – chairs. Stools, tent pegs, cooking implements, ropes and lashings, learning about plants and wildlife and exploring eco-systems, fire lighting and cooking e.g. making bread, drop scones, popcorn,soup, dahl. exploration of ponds, streams and lakes. Children reflect on and discuss what they’ve experienced and plan what they’d like future sessions to include. “To enter a wood is to pass into a different world in which we ourselves are transformed… the residual magic of trees and wood that still touches most of us not far beneath the surface of our daily lives” Roger Deakin |
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