Month: November 2018

After yesterday, I have decided to wear even more clothing! We start with a brief recap inside then head out for the outdoor area. We split in to two teams and play the tarpaulin game; simple but hilarious. Then we do the “Good morning I am…and swap” game. Then we do it again staying in the same order. Then again but with two strings going at the same time. Just great fun silliness that gets us warm and feeling ready for fun.

We learn about setting boundaries with “1-2-3 to me”, followed by a quick game of hide and seek. Amazing to see how instantly competitive we all become; the child in all of us just looking for an excuse to emerge.

Next we do a little more work on knots, learning how to lash two sticks together and then frap between the two sticks. Looking back, I have already forgotten, a humbling reminder that children can not be expected to “get” everything first time. relearning is as important as learning.

We do our first big reflection activity, using available resources outside to present a cameo summary of what we learned yesterday. This leads on to a discussion of the purpose of review – consolidating learning, thinking about next steps and metacognition. We discuss when we review ( when L.O. has been met and the value of timing reflection with a food or drink activity – when everyone is relaxed. We are introduced to the different types of reflection : Interpersonal, intrapersonal and individual needs. We talk about the difference between review (the task) and reflection (our thinking about our own response to the learning).

After lunch we talk about risk and how we manage it. Lily promises to empty the contents of her safety bag.

We do some more talking about the 4 levels of the forest – canopy, shrub, field and ground.

How much fun can you have with a simple game of “What are you doing with that stick?” The objective is to mime the activity of the last person whilst thinking of a new task to claim you are doing in response the next person. Confusing and funny.

We finish the day by (trying) to light Gillie kettles. It seems so easy, but each attempt fizzles out as we begin to learn the importance of patience and dry materials ! Lily comes to the rescue with egg filled with wax and saw dust. I think about the importance of preparation and anticipating the needs of students.

I really enjoyed the first day of my NOCN Forest Leaders course today, learning about the 3 look afters – self, others and environment. The day was packed full of tips and ideas on engaging young people and bonding exercises.

It is really exciting to arrive at Scotswood for the first day of Forest School Training. There are 17 of us doing the course and the first few hours help us get to know each other. We start off with some simple housekeeping before heading out in to the woods.

The first activity are some simple naming games. We choose an alliterative title and then throw a toy to each other around the circle. It is a really effective way of getting to know each other as well as making us laugh and relax.

The first activity is a simple task of plying three pieces of wool in different colours to help us think about the 3 “Look Afters”. This makes me think about how we use the first few activities in a woodland setting to create a simple contract for staying safe and allowing others to stay safe.

Next up we prepare a party for a mysterious and ancient woodland creature. I am amazed at the creativity and resourcefulness present in the group. It reminds me of why it is so much fun to work with young people.

We talk about the outcomes that we expect from Forest Schools; Creativity, compromise, teamwork, communication, co-operation, emotional control, resilience, independence, self esteem and self-regulation. We also think about the opportunity for managed risk-taking and self-guided learning. Above all, I feel that we have an innate need to be immersed in nature and that forest school helps young people to “grow straight and true”.

After lunch we learn about bow saws and tarpaulins. Then we try our hand at a clove knot before ending with a reflection on the nature and purpose of forest school. It has been a cold day but it has gone in a flash. Looking back at my notes, I can not believe how much we have packed in to the day.