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Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a unique approach to learning which offers children the opportunity to learn through experience in a woodland setting. Research has shown that outdoor learning supports and extends children’s problem solving abilities; their ideas in response to new challenges and their resilience to persevere and persist at new tasks. It can develop a love of nature and in turn promote healthier lifestyles through fresh air and physical activity. Much of the process is child initiated, which ensures that children are engaged and motivated to learn, particularly those who find conventional classroom education challenging and this in turn can have a positive impact upon behaviour and attitudes to learning back in the classroom. Children and young people develop holistically through provision of achievable tasks and support to take managed risks in an outdoor setting, which builds their confidence and self-esteem.

Our Forest School

At Winlaton West Lane, we are lucky enough to have a large Forest School area on site. When in Forest School. the children will be taking part in a wide range of activities: exploring woodland, wildlife and plants; creating sculpture with mud, twigs, leaves etc. (e.g. Journey sticks, mud faces, leaf crowns); den building; learning skills such as knots tying: using tools such as peelers, knives and cooking over a fire. These skills are very carefully introduced over time with a high level of adult support. Forest School also allows lots of opportunities for the children to reflect upon their experiences, discussing what they have achieved and 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.

Outdoor fun ideas

Outdoor craft ideas

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