Each of our classes has a dedicated day a week which they spend in our Woodland Garden. We access the outdoors in all weathers - so the children get to experience various temperatures and conditions - whilst they take part in a wide range and whole host of different and exciting outdoor learning experiences. The day changes each term so that the majority of children have the opportunity to experience them.
During our Woodland Days, the children have opportunities to develop forest skills, which may include becoming closely connected with the environment, building fires, whittling wood, den building and learning about the various plants and wildlife within the Woodland Garden. The children also become involved in gardening and taking care of the garden. The children plant a variety of vegetables throughout the year and will have opportunity to harvest and eat what they have grown. Forest School principles aim to raise self-awareness and self-esteem in children.
We look closely at the animals and insects that visit the Woodland Garden, particularly the birds, as they are easily seen and watched from our bird hide.
Children will also use appropriate sized real tools. learn the boundaries of behaviour physically and socially, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and motivation.
Woodland Days have been really successful. They support childrens' physical development, awareness of the environment and their ability to have care and concern for living things and the world around them.
We experience Woodland Days in all seasons and weathers. This provides an ever changing environment for the children to discover and learn. We take care to protect your child's clothing by having all-in-one suits available, however it is advisable to send your child to school in clothing that you do not mind getting wet or muddy.
As the season changes, we ask that you provide your child with appropriate named clothing and footwear for the woodland such as;
Winter:
Wellington boots/sensible footwear
Warm coat
Gloves/hat/scarf
Woodland Days (January 2023)
Ladybirds - Tuesday
Buzzy Bees - Thursday
Butterflies - Friday