On Saturday the 1st of October we had a very busy session which included the use of new language, measuring, learning about native animals, team work and independent skills. We learnt how Owls have different calls... It was surprising how many calls there actually are. When we considered native animals we created a story. Using fine and gross motor skills, we started to build the panels for a small story space (mini theatre). There was use of the bow saw, loppers, scissors and string. Once we had completed a panel we had the chance to play using the tarpaulin and sleeping bags then we built a small fire for the Kelly Kettle and enjoyed a hot chocolate before going home.
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Here are the photos from the 24th September Saturday club where members of the group finished making the stools they had started. They felt a great sense of achievement which boosted their confidence in their own abilities. They had to measure wood, use tools safely, use fine and gross motor skills, problem solve and much more. Well done - you worked hard and really deserved that marshmallow! Upon arrival at forest school summer club today the baby alpaca was waiting for us - he was gorgeous! We stormed our way up to the tools as we knew it was going to be a busy day if we wanted to make and take home a stool to sit on. We had our stool legs which we'd cut the previous day then cut lengths to strengthen the sides. We spent a long time measuring the lengths and snipping the willow then hammering it all together. At first we made two letter 'H's then added another length across the top, after this we hammered on more joining pieces to create a cuboid shape. Then cut the lengths to create a lid / seat to sit on. We had almost run out of time so took some willow home to complete our stools there. It was a good and very productive day!
More like this to come during the Saturday club which is running from the 10th September 2016! When we arrived this morning we had a real treat. During the early hours of the morning a baby Alpaca was born and by the time we saw it, it was just 6 hours old! We were sure to give the baby and it's mum lots of space and we stood and watched. The mum hummed to the baby to keep it close by so that she could ensure it's safety. Once up at the base, we played a game and then talked about the project we would be working on for the next few days. We look at the tools and discussed safe working procedures. After this we found a stick to use as a measure for the legs of the stools that we are working on. We used a bow saw to cut four legs for our stools. Then we looked at smaller branches that could be used to aid in building the frame for our stools. It was soon lunch time and some of us sat in the den. After lunch we went over to the climbing trees and then wandered back to the gate. It was a warm walk back but we all had a fantastic day and now can't wait until tomorrow to complete our projects!
Wow what a day! we walked up to the forest school area looking and talking about the animals on the way. Upon arrival we put down our bags and played spinning bubbles.. we had two winners - Well done you! Then, we collected wood to continue the work we had started the day before. The door for our den needed to be finished today so, we worked hard as a team to ensure we completed a thorough task. We dragged and carried wood from the wood pile and the ditch, we then snipped off the superficial branches and built a framework from the core wood. We used twine to tie the wood together prior to weaving leafy willow throughout to create a screen/door for the den. What an achievement! we were so happy that we ate lunch in the den. The obligatory tree climb came next followed by a slow wander back to meet with members of our family. what a fantastic time!
We started today by walking up through the sheep field. On the way we saw some baby geese and herded some Alpacas.. Once we arrived we put our bags in a pile and climbed the trees. This was one of our favourite things to do today! After a while we stopped for a drink and snack and then started to collect wood to build a door for our den. It needed to be taller than the tallest member of the group. We used snips to cut back the branches and used twine to tie branches together to make a framework. Some of the group played a game of Frisbee and there was more tree climbing. on the way home we saw a turkey, a peacock, some goats, some sheep and a slug.... everybody stopped to watch the slug moving across the grass!
what a busy day! Today the students decided they would like a fire and to be able to cook.
At the beginning of the session they played two games that would remind them about the space they need to keep each other safe when at forest school using tools. They played the 'slurping game' and 'spinning bubbles'. After this they were set the timed task of building a birds nest that they could collectively fit into. It was a huge team effort that required some thought with each person providing something for the group. Some students preferred to build, others preferred to collect, some built from inside the nest whereas others did this externally; all using their own learning styles. A member of the group gave a talk on the origin of birds and the Forest school leader spoke about 2 specific birds: the Cetti's warbler and the Great Crested Grebe. If you would like to hear the calls of these birds you can click on the buttons below and follow the link to the RSPB website. After the talk the group used a bow saw and snips to cut wood and build a fire to cook on. The fire was built and as a group they used flint & steel to light it. Students used skewers to make vegetable kebabs made of pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes and courgette. Baked beans, potatoes and eggs were added to the fire and whilst cooking, some students climbed trees while others kept the fire burning. Once the food was cooked we all sat down to eat and then toasted marshmallows for desert. A good day was had by all... including the sheep who found their way into the field! Today the students took home their Lorax inspired puppets and props It was a hot and busy day with many animals being part of today's session. Gary the goat ate his way around our willow then, just as we thought all was well, an Alpaca came and stole some too! The Alpaca knew he'd done wrong as he ran away as soon as he'd clasped the branch with his teeth - very sneaky! Tree climbing as always was a favourite, however today was different as the sheep sought shade in our area. They were very calm and cute as some of our forest schoolers went to say hello. We made paste and continued to make props from willow all inspired by the story 'The Lorax' by Dr Seuss. This resulted in a Humming fish, a Boo ba bear, a horse/dog and A Lorax. It was a team effort all round with some on the snips and others on the paste and willow. We finished the morning with some games before heading back to the front gate. Well done everybody for all your hard work :)
Upon arrival there were some willow whips readily cut for use. Everybody sat on the forest school benches and stripped some of the bark. They noticed the difference in bark between older and younger willow, the smell and textures once it had been stripped. After walking up to the forest school area through the sheep field and alpacas there was a race across the field with Frisbees to see how many throws it would take. After this, students designed and sketched some ideas of puppets, props or sculptures they would like to make from the withy's. they then set to work with snips and tape to see what they could achieve. It was quite difficult but everybody had fun. After eating lunch all the forest schoolers toasted a marshmallow (or two) over the fire. We are really looking forward to completing some props and sculptures tomorrow at the forest school summer club! Well done everybody you were fantastic today!
Today we did some preparation for tomorrows puppet and prop making. We collected some willow, had a fire, toasted marshmallows, climbed trees and much more! Gary the goat was very funny - he received cuddles from many of the children who attended and the baby lamb was cute. Somebody found the most incredible feather which we still have to identify! We used: snips, loppers, bow saw, potato peeler & Knife. During the fire part of the session we heard the story of 'The Lorax' by Dr Seuss. We're already looking forward to tomorrows session!
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