Welcome back to the Forest School Blog …
Last week at Oxford Road the toddlers and preschoolers were able to identify numbers and shapes created using natural materials such as sticks and leaves.They also enjoyed playing a matching card game where they had to find two halves of an illustration of different insects and place them together. There was lots of curiosity around worms and both toddlers and preschoolers enjoyed digging for worms and holding them. The toddlers were particularly fascinated and started talking to the worm they found.
At Norfolk Road the toddlers had the opportunity to use some tools including children’s garden loppers and potato peelers. Some of the toddlers were whittling sticks with the potato peelers and learning how to cut branches and trim down the laurel bush with the loppers. The toddlers also had the opportunity to see a baby caterpillar and were marvelled by its undulating body as it wiggled across my hand; they had lots and lots of questions. The preschoolers had the opportunity to visit Harborne walkway this week and to say they had a great time would be an understatement! They were so excited when they arrived and saw the towering trees above them and steep slopes with streams nestled at the base. They really enjoyed looking for signs of spring and ticking it off of their checklists. They successfully attempted to climb up a muddy slope and belly laughed as they slid down. They were fascinated to find bright ruby red coloured scarlet cup fungi scattered across the woodland floor, not to mention the very pungent smell of wild garlic. We splashed in the shallow stream and built a small den out of sticks and logs and even braved trudging through boggy patches in our wellies. The children are keen to return to their new adventure playground.
At Harborne Road we had campfires with both the toddlers and the preschoolers. The children listened very well and waited very patiently. They enjoyed toasting their marshmallows and all the other sensory delights that come with having a campfire. After we finished having the campfire the toddlers enjoyed mark making with chalk on the stumps looking at the strawberry plants and tulips that are slowly growing. The preschoolers in the afternoon enjoyed role playing, setting up their own campfire as well as discussing the signs of spring.
Why not have a go at your very own spring adventure in the garden, at your local park, woodland and farm and don’t forget to take your spring checklist with you …
Another gentle reminder … The weather has been significantly cold and temperatures are dropping very low, it is imperative that all children have waterproofs, coats, gloves and hats, especially on Forest School days to ensure that they are safe and can enjoy their sessions outdoors.
Oxford Road: digging for worms, creating shapes using natural materials, counting, watering the garden, balancing on beams and stumps, climbing the willow arch, digging wood chips and transporting in the wheelbarrow.
Norfolk Road: looking for insects, waterplay, tool use, mini stick dens, making illustrations with twigs and leaves, visiting harborne walkway, spring checklist, playing in the stream, stomping in bog.
Harborne Road: discussing signs of spring, mark making, campfire, balancing and campfire role play.
