Forest School Fun in the Sun!

We had two gloriously and very welcome sunny sessions outside for the two Year 2 groups today. To begin each session, the children spent a few minutes of peace and contemplation in their Nature Spots to think about what they were grateful for. When we came back to the log circle to share our thoughts, the responses the children gave were extremely thoughtful and considered which was a privilege to witness.

As always the sessions were filled with sense of industry and purpose, with children choosing their own activities and areas of learning. This week the children were able to challenge themselves with tree climbing using a rope ladder to help. This led to some adventurous climbing and the children feeling thrilled with their achievements. We also made progress with our fire-lighting skills this week, using dried stalks and small twigs to keep a small fire going once it was lit.

The morning and afternoon sessions both contained some building activities. Some of the morning group carried on with their fort and cement mixing, but also had time to have a look-out up the tree to protect the fort and hurl mud cannon balls at any intruders! Some of the afternoon group built a den in a well-chosen spot, using sticks and tying up a tarp for the waterproof roof. This all involved plenty of brilliant communication, team-work, problem-solving and trial and error to achieve success.

Both groups had whittling as an option again, providing the children with a chance to use tools safely and spend time deep in concentration and persevering to achieve their goals. We had some spears and also bows and arrows today, and of course finished the session talking about how to stay safe with these surprisingly sharp sticks!

During both sessions the feeling of joy experience by the children was evident; there was so much laughter, so many happy conversation and so many smiles. It was a real pleasure to run the sessions and see how much the children were enjoying challenging themselves and having so much fun with their friends.

At the end of the session, all the children were able to identify how they challenged themselves during the session with something that felt hard but they were motivated to carry on with. It was lovely to hear the children recognise their efforts and also realise that even though something was hard, they continued to persevere and success felt amazing.

Many thanks as always for our fabulous volunteers and for your support for the Forest School sessions.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Mrs Rassell