Forest School originated
in Sweden in the 1950’s and was introduced in Britain in
the late 1990’s. It is an inspirational process that offers regular
opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. Learning occurs in a
relaxed environment using all of the senses. Choices can be made and risks
understood and taken. Forest School happens all year round and
so children should wear warm, waterproof clothing. The ethos
of Forest School is that learners should be allowed time and
space to explore, develop skills and interests and understanding through
practical, hands on experience. Forest School promotes good health and
fitness and an awareness of good hygiene. It helps children’s social and
communication development as they work together problem solving, developing
motor-skills and coordination in a fun and relaxed environment. Children also
learn a sense of personal responsibility and respect for their environment as
well as developing their confidence, self-esteem and independence.
This week it was dry and sunny at Basildon although rather chilly in the woods. Time to start thinking about bringing gloves and an extra pair of socks!
The adults were all impressed how engaged the children were in their little groups of Independent learning. These activities included hide & seek, balancing and climbing trees. We also searched for fungi on the forest floor. All the children remembered we can look at it but on no account must we touch it. Hiba found some chalk so we measured each other's heights and drew the findings on an old tree trunk. Jessie and Malakhai were the tallest.
Daisy remembered we had been finding suitable small logs to make into instruments last week. So a few of us found some more and we made a band. Sergio had two pieces of Flint to tap together and Jess and Hiba made a large guitar type instrument! Mrs Herbert