Our Forest School contributes widely to the mental health of all children. At the start of this year, and in this first half term, we have focused on the transition of the children into their new classes; and the children have settled so well. After half term, these groups will be reducing in size and the children who have completed the transition programme will now just enjoy take over days with their class. Mrs Tierney’s blog gives a flavour of what has been happening.
What an amazing month we've had in Forest School. We've enjoyed some beautiful weather and braved the tail end of Storm Amy. Our groups have had the full Forest School experience. Our mud kitchen has a new menu! 'Mudflurries' have been popular along with 'Beetle Burgers.' It's been lovely to see how creative the children have got - their imaginations are truly amazing. The team work that we have seen in the den building area has also been fantastic. The children have planned their structures and really worked well together moving the larger pieces of brash being careful not to injure anyone.
Our resident hedgehogs Sam, Barbara and Horace have brought lots of excitements to the classes, along with our little field mice and squirrels. We're hoping that they will make the most of our hedgehog houses and hibernate safely this winter at Our Lady's. We've discussed other animals that hibernate and looked at the changes in our environment which become more noticeable week by week as we get further into Autumn.
With October being the month of the Holy Rosary, our Tuesday group joined the rest of school and millions of children around the world in praying together, we created our own Rosary Beads using pebbles that our children have decorated over the last few weeks. Nursery paid us a quick visit on Wednesday while we cleared the pond of leaves left over from Storm Amy, as they peeked into the pond one of our frogs popped his head up to say hello!
John from Tree & Hedgecare delivered us some woodchip for us to spread on the forest floor, The children have mucked in and made a start. It's so important that they are learning about sustainability and looking after our area so that we are able to carry enjoying it for year to come, this can be hard work but it's vital that we help stop the erosion of our footpaths. They certainly worked up an appetite so they really enjoyed pancakes and honey cooked on the fire. Our Thursday group were very chilled out last week when we did some Forest Bathing, they closed their eyes and listened to the sounds around them, the leaves rustling in the wind, the birds singing and the trickling of water from our neighbour's pond.
Finally, this week we've made from 'calm down' bottles. The children have collected different coloured leaves, acorns and other pieces of treasure from the forest floor then filled out bottles with water, glycerine and biodegradable glitter. When they feel anxious, worried or a little annoyed they can shake the bottle and watch the leaves and glitter as they slowly settle. I am planning a tidy up day within the next few weeks to get the area ready for winter and finish spreading the wood chip. This will be on Friday 7th November from 1.30pm. Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated and essential. Tea and biscuits provided!
Mrs Tierney
