What does a Forest school session look like?
Forest school always begins with putting on our waterproof clothing as it happens WHATEVER the weather! We sing our Forest School song and go to sit in the fire circle. We talk about how to keep safe at Forest School e.g. by not crossing the fire circle, no pick no lick and staying within the boundary. We encourage the children to think laterally about risks and hazards and how to manage them safely.
There are also lots of fun physical games which teach the children about food chains and conserving our natural environment for example ‘The Worm Game’ and ‘Bat and Moth’. Sessions may also have a strong creative and imaginative theme for example making tree spirits ( clay faces in the bark of trees).
Frequently, a traditional tale set in the forest (e.g. Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Hansel and Gretel) is a focus at story time under the tarpaulin in the camp.
The session always ends with a ‘review’ which enables the children to reflect on their own learning and think about what they might want to learn next.