FOREST SCHOOL AT TOWERVIEW PLAYSCHOOL

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky” 

                                                                                                     Margaret McMillan.

 

Forest School is a long-term approach to education, for children, young people, families and adults that maximises the benefits of learning in the outdoors. Whilst its roots are planted firmly in our best understanding of the theory of how children learn, Forest School practice puts the learner at the heart of their learning experience. Forest School at Playschool enables children to engage with the rich natural diversity of the woodland environment to help build confidence, sensitivity, resilience and curiosity.

Forest School is a long term holistic learning process that aims to raise self awareness and self-esteem in participants. Regular sessions take place in a woodland environment, where the landscape itself adds to the experience of learning.

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL? 

Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s as a way of learning about the natural world. By the 1980s they had become an integral part of the Danish early years program. Forest Schools are successful for children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis. Through play, they learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and, most importantly, to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Sessions run throughout the year going to the woods in all weathers. Children explore, play, learn boundaries of behaviour (both physical and social), and grow in confidence, self-esteem and motivation. 

 

Playschool children will be taking part in a wide range of activities such , exploring woodland wildlife and plants, creating sculptures with mud, twigs, leaves etc. (i.e. Elf houses, mud faces, leaf crowns), den building, learning skills such as knot tying and safe use of tools such as peelers, knives, secateurs and saws as well as cooking over a fire. 

 

These skills are very carefully introduced over time with a high level of adult support. The sessions also allow lots of opportunities for the children to reflect upon their experiences, discussing what they have achieved and planning what they would like to do next. Children are encouraged to solve problems for themselves and work with their peers as part of a team. Activities are designed to increase children's self-esteem and self awareness. 

WHAT WILL MY CHILD NEED ? 

The children will change into their Playschool provided Forest School dungarees and coats during the session.

Children must be protected from extremes of weather – many layers of clothing are better than one thick item of clothing. Please follow the clothing list below. Old clothes are best as your child will get dirty arms and legs must be covered at all times – even in summer because of brambles and stinging nettles. 

Please name their clothing because it is difficult for them (and us) if their gear gets mixed up with another child’s.

Essentials

1.Warm base layers (vest or thermals, long sleeved top, jumper, jogging bottoms). 

2. Named warm coat . 

3. Thick socks or two pairs of medium thickness.  

4. Named welly boots.

5. Named hat and gloves for winter. Named Sun hat in summer 

 

For health and safety reasons children who do not have the appropriate kit will not be able to take part in our woodland activities on that day.

L e t s  g e t  m u d d y ! 

 

Here are just five ways (of many) that mud can benefit your child. 

 

1. Did you know that studies have shown dirt to be good for your brain? Apparently, there are types of bacteria that are naturally found in soil which activate the neurons that produce serotonin – a key chemical in many bodily functions, as well as a natural anti-depressant. In other words, dirt can actually help make you feel happy.  

 

2. Dirt is also great for the immune system, especially in children. research has shown that early exposure to the naturally occurring microbes in soil will help build stronger, more disease-resistant kids. 

 

3. In our technologically generation, children just aren’t getting enough time to play outside, and that has now been linked to attention disorders and obesity. 

 

4. Children who play outside laugh more, which means they’re happy!   

 

5. Kids who play outside grow in their character development: they become more adventurous, more self-motivated, and they are better able to understand and assess risk.