Q: what do children do at Forest School? A: child-led outdoor activities for Early Years & Primary school ages.
Find out more about Forest School activities & get some inspiration and ideas here.
Because projects are child-led* there is no set programme – one group may spend spend six weeks looking for insects and getting into insect identification, another group may not show an interest in this area but really want to build a shelter waterproof enough to sleep in, made only of natural materials.
It is up to the leaders to observe their groups to identify interests and support their learning.
Child led play
At Muddy Faces we feel it is vitally important to consider a child-led approach when making activities available to your groups.
We asked Jan White, internationally-recognised consultant and speaker for outdoor provision in the early years, to explain.
Read More about Child led playAs you can imagine, the list of activities that can happen at Forest School is endless! Check out our Activities section (see below) for ideas and inspiration that may help you follow the interests of your participants.
Because of the high adult:child ratios and comprehensive training required of Forest School practitioners, more involved activities can also take place, built up to over a long period of time, such as tree climbing, lighting fires, outdoor cooking, low ropes challenges, using tools to make things or to help with construction.
This article is a lovely example of the levels of learning that occur during Forest School activities.
The article appeared in our Forest School Focus - issue 4 of the Outdoor Practitioner - our free online magazine.
Free download below.
A Childs View of Forest School
Activities
A massive selection of outdoor play and learning activities and ideas! Whether you are a Forest School leader, work in the early years , a KS1/KS2 teacher or anyone interested in working in the outdoors, we hope there's something for you!
Child led play
At Muddy Faces we feel it is vitally important to consider a child-led approach when making activities available to your groups.
We asked Jan White, internationally-recognised consultant and speaker for outdoor provision in the early years, to explain.
Read More about Child led play
Natural Play Principles
The Natural Play Principles* are designed to articulate a child-centred and nature-focused approach called Natural Play. Natural Play enables children’s natural ways of growing, learning and thriving with the help of the natural world.
* developed in collaboration between Jan White (Early Childhood Natural Play), Suzanne Scott (Sandfield Natural Play Centre), Ann Thompson (Naturally Creative and Sandfield Natural Play Centre) and Menna Godfrey (Quackers Playgroup & Natural Play Centre).
Read More about Natural Play Principles
Woodworking & tools
Early years woodwork expert Pete Moorhouse, introduces this section and offers tips and advice on woodworking with Early Years & Primary Schools. There are also guides to whittling and tool use, and research and articles on the future of traditional crafts.
There is a comprehensive woodworking section in our shop, that follows Pete's recommendations on tools and resources, and tool use guides & activities in our activity section.
Read More about Woodworking & tools
Forest School trainers
The Forest School training providers listed below are ones that Muddy Faces has an active relationship with, sharing resources and information.
There are many more trainers available and we recommend you do your own research and checks as mentioned in our Forest School Training section.
To get your organisation listed here and join the Muddy Faces Trainers Discount Package click here.
Training Courses are listed on our Training & Events Calendar click here.
Read More about Forest School trainers
Forest School qualifications
Forest School practitioners must be qualified to deliver Forest School opportunities for Early Years, Primary Schools and more. Progressive levels of qualification enable the practitioner to undertake roles with increasing levels of responsibility for setting up, planning and delivery of regular sessions.
This page describes the different levels, responsibilities and entry requirements.
See Forest School training for info about choosing a trainer.
To deliver a Forest School programme at least one Level 3 Forest School Leader must be present.
Read More about Forest School qualifications
The Outdoor Practitioner magazine
Our themed magazines feature articles, ideas & activities to support you to work, learn & play outdoors.
- Full of contributions from real-life Outdoor Practitioners
- Perfect for Early Years, primary schools, Forest School & outdoor settings old and new
Issue 5: Risky Play Focus: available in our shop.
Issues 1-4: access online for FREE below - download or read online with our fancy flipbook tool.
To contribute to the Outdoor Practitioner magazine or reproduce one of our articles in your newsletter or magazine, email editor@muddyfaces.co.uk