SAW, LOPPERS, KNIFES, MALLETTS, TOOL USE: SAW, LOPPERS, KNIFES, MALLETTS, FIRE & COOKING   DEN BUILDING/SHELTERS TREE CLIMBING

EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENT   1,2,3, WHERE ARE YOU SNACK

MANAGING OWN RISKS AND OWN LIMITATIONS BUG HUNTING   CHANGES OF THE SEASONS MANAGING OWN RISKS AND OWN LIMITATIONS

Build up their confidence Why go to the woods? When we go to the woods the children are free to move within strict boundaries. We remind them of these each week we set out. They are encouraged to explore using all of their senses.   Explore Use their imagination Talk Listen Develop their skills Build up their confidence

Why go to the woods? Because we go to the woods each week, rain or shine, the children are familiar with what that environment has to offer.   Children experience seasonal change and weather at first hand. They are dressed appropriately so they feel comfortable. We give the children plenty of time and space to follow their own area of interest, to play together and make representation of past and shared experiences. Children set themselves challenges in the woods, testing and refining their own skills and responding to peer group challenges.

Why go to the woods? We learn about our woodland environment, the trees that grow there, the plants and the wild flowers.   We learn about the animals that live there and the mini-beasts. We learn about the birds that live there, we listen to their songs. We learn how to look after our environment and everything in it. We learn how to keep our woods free from litter and graffiti.

What is the role of the adult? All adults needs to be completely clear about their role, which will involve: Talking to the children   Listening to and valuing their responses Giving the quieter child time to reflect and respond Responding to their interests with real enthusiasm Using all the senses In addition, all adults and children need to agree on strict codes of behaviour when out in the woods. The child who does not follow the rules will lose the freedom to move along at their own pace with their friends, or alone, and will have to hold an adult’s hand.

Children Learn So Much in the Outdoors The outdoors allows for movement and exploration using all the senses. These are essential features of learning for young children. Exercise and fresh air makes children feel good about themselves. This raises self-esteem. The outdoors is a stimulating learning environment because it is constantly changing: the weather, the seasons, the impact of animals, birds and people all contribute to this. Children are motivated by these changes which affect how they play. They are moved to talk about what they see and ask questions. In the outdoors children can learn across the whole 7 areas of learning.

What your child should have in their own bag every week: spare trousers/leggings; long sleeved t-shirt; pants; socks; summer/winter hat; gloves (winter); bottle of water

Your child must come dressed each week in: long trousers/leggings long sleeved t-shirt wellie boots waterproofs hi-vis vest hat   In addition to this, in winter months we will still be going to forest school, so please make sure your child has plenty of warm layers. If they are dressed appropriately, there is no reason why they would still not enjoy themselves!! Only in severe conditions, we would cancel the session.

Forest School Sessions are held at: Friar’s Court Clanfield Bampton Oxfordshire OX18 2ST