So now that the schools are off on their summer holidays I have time to update you with all the exciting goings on at the Carmyle Primary Forest School. The P4 class took part in a six week Forest School where the pupils took part in a range of activities in a woodland area in their local park. Forest Schools is quite a unique approach and really puts the participant at the centre of their learning and experiences. More information about Forest Schools can be found here: http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/.
The initial focus for the first few weeks was to introduce the woodland area to the pupils and make them feel comfortable in their surroundings. Many pupils hadn’t been in the park before so it was a completely new environment for many of them. The pupils helped to decide on the boundaries for our area so everyone knew where we could and couldn’t go. Activities were gradually introduced, starting with smaller simpler activities so pupils could get a sense of achievement from being able to do things. These activities would be built upon in the following weeks and allow for things to develop.
Over the course of the six weeks pupils took part and tried a number of different activities. The pupils learned how to use tools safely, got creative with clay, did some den building, learned about fire, used the storm kettle to make hot chocolate, tried some new knots, found loads of bugs, made tree cookies, did some blindfold games, tried to escape from rope handcuffs, to name a few. The activities were varied and allowed opportunities for the pupils to develop their own interests and games.
The class teacher commented that Forest School provided “A good variety of activities that has helped me focus on a lots of learning experiences that can be done outdoors. I liked the blindfold activities for building up trust between children and well as using their senses to explore which fits into out health and wellbeing and science curriculum. Many of the activities around safety outdoors also fitted well into health and wellbeing as did the circle time sessions which helped to enhance self esteem and promote listening and talking skills. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely use some of the ideas with my class next year as part of their outdoor learning.”
The pupils really engaged with Forest School and were happy being out whatever the weather. I hope that during the summer holidays the pupils get their families outside and share with them all the fun things they did in the woods that was their classroom for six weeks.
