Forest School
Our School was granted planning permission for an area of Hoyles Park in October 2022 and over the last few months we have been developing this area into a wonderful, natural Forest School. Our vision for this area is a natural space where children can explore the outdoor environment through nature based learning.
Forest School offers several benefits for young children:
- Connection with Nature: opportunities for children to connect with nature, fostering a love for the outdoors and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
- Physical Development: outdoor play and exploration in Forest School promotes physical activity, helping children develop gross motor skills whilst also supporting mental health and well-being and staying active.
- Creativity and Imagination: natural settings inspire creativity and imaginative play, encouraging children to use their surroundings for imaginative games and activities.
- Independence: Forest School encourages independence as children learn to navigate and problem solve in a less structured environment.
- Social Skills: group activities in Forest School promote social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills as children collaborate and play together.
- Resilience: exposure to the elements and outdoor challenges helps children build resilience and adaptability.
- Curiosity and Learning: Forest School stimulates curiosity and a love for learning through hands on experiences and exploration.
- Confidence Building: overcoming outdoor challenges and accomplishing tasks in a natural setting boosts children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Overall, we aim to provide a holistic approach to our Forest School curriculum that nurtures physical, emotional and cognitive development in a natural and engaging environment.
Pumpkins.....Autumn Leaves.....Bird Feeders.....Knots.....Mud Pies and Learning about our Environment
So much to see and learn.....
This month in Forest School we have learnt so much and had lots of fun in the sun, rain and mud!
Here are some of the things we have done: explored leaves, feathers and sticks; made bird feeders; played hide and seek with Sam; made more scarecrows; used our physical skills to run, balance, climb and jump; had fun on the rope swing; made a see-saw and looked at materials that float and sink to make boats.
A Fun Week
The weather certainly didn't stop us from having fun in Forest School this week. Nursery 2 have enjoyed exploring nature and using their senses to explore the different areas. Nursery 3 have been using skills learnt to build swings, find bugs and make houses for mini-beasts, make mud pies and best of all a mud and soap slide!
Autumn Term
All our children have enjoyed a Forest School session this week. We have tidied our planters and planted wild flowers, pulled up the vegetables we planted last year, made delicious mud pies and cakes, had fun on the swing, played hide and seek with Sam, found mini-beasts and had fun exploring together.
