Welcome back to the Forest School Blog …
Last week at Oxford Road the toddlers had the opportunity to practise their tools skills again. They are becoming more and more engrossed and independent using the handrills, screwdrivers, allen keys and screws. Their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are definitely improving over the weeks. The preschoolers have also been increasing in confidence and skill with the tools, they also had the opportunity to use the hammer this week to smash rocks. The preschoolers have been asking more questions about the mechanics of the tools and are curious to know how the individual parts work together. For the first time the preschoolers also had the opportunity to practise using the flint and steel to create a spark. They were super engrossed in this task and would sit for more than 10 minutes at a time practising their strike action. We spoke about the importance of only using tools with the support and supervision of grown ups.
At Norfolk Road the preschoolers had the opportunity to see the tadpoles again and were pleased to see that they had grown. We reminded the children about not throwing objects in the pond to keep them safe.They enjoyed seeing them wiggle about and discussing the life cycle of a frog. We also sowed some wildflower seeds and we had the opportunity to see the new bird box.
A special shoutout and thanks to parents and staff across all three sites who adopted a sapling and helped us raise money for our new bird box. The children were very happy to receive it and can’t wait to get it installed!
At Harborne Road the preschoolers and toddlers had the opportunity to sow some sunflower and nasturtium seeds in pots. The children were able to put their tool skills into practise by drilling holes into the bottom of their plant pots with the hand drill. They were mesmerised to see their tulips have now blossomed and continuing to take initiative to take care of their plants.
Oxford Road: campfire,mark making, tool use, climbing the willow arch, playing in the sand pit, watering plants and seeds.
Norfolk Road: looking after tadpoles, seed sowing and using tools.
Harborne Road: looking after plants and gardening, practising tool skills, swinging in the hammock, discussing the new pond layout.
