Woodland School News
Autumn 1 Term
What a cracking start it has been to the Autumn Term. Year 4 and Year 6 have already explored, experimented, investigated and created in so many wonderful ways!
Some highlights of our time learning in the woodland can be seen in the photographs attached. Mrs Taylor’s main ‘Wow’ moments have been:
- How quickly Year 4 have settled into the Woodland School format.
- The fantastic Zoo structure created by Year 6.
- The fabulous shelter built in the bottom corner of the woodland next to the white path.
- The fabulous tool work by children, supervised mainly by Mr Collingwood (Year 6) and Ms Trewin (Year 4).
- The super safe climbing behaviour of children in trees.
- The resilience of all the children who have chosen to learn sewing or thread-work skills.
- The respect shown by almost all the children for the natural world around us, including when sometimes we have sadly found creatures in the wood who have passed away.
- The incredible water transportation creations made by children exploring the flotation station.
- Some of the incredible and seldom seen creatures discovered by children using magnifying glasses from the exploration station.
As the weather gets colder, we plan to spend some more time exploring fire lighting and other bushcraft skills, as well as observing and exploring the journey of the seasons as they change from summer, through Autumn and into Winter. We will continue to explore enriched learning opportunities in Science, Geography, History, RSHE Art and Music. We will spend time thinking about the different animals and plants who occupy our school site, thinking about how they will continue to meet their basic needs during the colder months and the things we can do at home and at school to help. We will spend some time thinking about our school value of Respect and what that means to our school environment, our friends, our families and our neighbours. We will also think about the differences in climates around the world and seasons are different in different places.
We hope you enjoy exploring these photographs of some of the amazing learning opportunities we have already explored so far this term. I am really looking forward to all the new learning still to come.
Mrs Taylor and the Woodland and Enrichment Team
Please find below a link to a tour of our Woodland School area and examples of some of the activities available for children to take part in during their Woodland school sessions-
Woodland school wish list:
- We would really love some old metal biscuit tin lids or small, shallow baking trays to help us practice our fire lighting and spark making skills.
- Donations of Hot Chocolate and Biscuits, especially as the weather gets colder. We will often cook something over a fire as part of our learning but, as our sessions are only an hour long and we want the children to have a wealth of experience, not just cooking and fire, there will be many sessions where a hot chocolate and a pre-packaged biscuit is a great way of meeting everyone’s needs to be warm and comfortable.
- Second hand tools – especially chisels, drill bits, saws, mallets and small hammers.
- New or used nails and screws
- Rope
- Plastic sheeting
- Embroidery thread
- Hammocks
- A gazebo (can be broken or have missing and damaged poles)
Why is Risky Play is essential for my child’s development?
Risky play is any thrilling, adventurous activity involving a risk of physical or social injury. Risk taking and risk management is essential for developing resilience, confidence, and risk-assessment skills in children. It includes climbing, high speeds, using tools, and rough-and-tumble play, allowing children to test boundaries, overcome fears, build resilience and learn to manage potential danger. A lack of opportunities to explore appropriate risk is linked both the risk seeking and risk adverse behaviour in teenagers and adults, both of which can limit an individual’s ability to embrace opportunities or keep themselves safe.
Key Benefits of Risk-Taking in Play
Physical Development: Risky play enhances strength, coordination, balance, and agility through climbing, running, and jumping.
Mental & Emotional Growth: Building resilience, self-confidence, and independence by managing fear and overcoming challenges.
Risk Management: Teaches children to evaluate hazards, understand their own limitations, and make safer choices.
Problem-Solving: Encourages children to self-find solutions to obstacles, such as determining if they can safely cross a log or jump from a height.
6 Main Types of Risky Play
Great Heights: Climbing trees, structures, or jumping from high places.
High Speed: Running fast, cycling, or using wheels to create thrilling sensations.
Dangerous Tools: Using items like hammers, knives, or saws, which helps children learn responsibility.
Dangerous Elements: Playing near fire, deep water, or in, for example, a forest school setting.
Rough-and-Tumble: Wrestling and play-fighting, which helps children distinguish between play and actual conflict.
Disappearing from adult view: Hiding or wandering off, which provides independence while still in a safe, monitored environment.
If you would like to learn more, or prefer to learn in a more visual way, please do explore the video links below which explain Risk Taking during play further.
Risky Play Benefits For Kids - Behind the News
Risky Play is Essential - 6 Categories of Play at Forest School