Forest School is child led with activities provided as possibilities. The activities are designed to support and extend children’s learning and development. I love reading about ideas and possible activities of fun things to try and no child has to participate and there are no end goals – focus is on the process not product. Joseph Cornell talks of flow learning and I like this.
Within the sessions there will be adult led ideas, particularly for the first session but through observation I can see what else may work and build on this for the following week. A ball of wool, for example, was of interest at the end of one session which makes me think of spider web or washing line activities.
My aim with Nature Noodles is that as each child attends regularly I will be able to observe what they enjoy and support this whilst bringing with me other activity possibilities (reflecting the seasons, learning about nature and bushcraft skills) – allowing the children to pretty much plan the sessions weekly by their own interests. It may well be that I don’t need to bring anything at all as they embrace their surroundings 🌿🍃🌿.
Starting back this week for a new block, lovely to see some new faces and, of course, old ones. It’s a funny time of year with children moving on to nursery and school and feels a little like Nature Noodles is setting up again. Wishing all of the little Noodles who are moving on the best of luck, am sure that they will have a great time in their new settings.
Lots of fun this afternoon climbing, balancing and swinging in the hammocks with a chance to help make nettle soup. Everyone had a chance to get involved though not everyone wanted to try the soup! The chocolate bananas went down well along with the popcorn – the bread on a stick was more successful but our method may need to change!
Saturday 26th August, Brampton Valley Way 2.30pm-5.00pm Fire & Food
We had a lovely afternoon in the sun playing with Percy’s woodland animals and Going on a Bear Hunt. Lots of fun being bears and hiding! There was tree climbing and exploring and a chance to use the fire steel to make small tin can fires before the fire pit was lit for our hot dogs and popcorn.
A little while ago we had a collection for Save the Children and this has now come through. Many thanks to everyone who was at that session.
The sun came out for our session today and we enjoyed den building, hammock swinging, blind trail leading and some hunter/ animal water pistol games. Lovely to see lots of exploring and playing and the water pistol games (am not entirely sure everyone kept their eyes closed!) was great fun!
Checking the site today after some time away, lovely to see these wild poppies growing. The bay willow herb was also in flower and the sunshine made the site look beautiful.
A very busy session today marking the first of the Summer Fun Sessions. After a boundary walk we looked at the activities on offer and all set to work – hammer and nails, whittling with potato peelers and soft balsa wood and using the bow saw and palm drills to make our own name cookies.
NATURE NOODLES 