This term we got a new log splitter to create better fire wood. You can see elara using it in the profile picture of this blog. It's great fun (although we might have to feed the children a little more food so they have more weight to push the lever down with their foot haha) . We played games and learned an adjustable knot which the children could use to build dens (which kept us dry in the heavy rain). Darwin was our expert leaf raker (adding the leaves to the compost and creating more soil) and we managed to clear the polytunnel this term as well. Chard is still growing in it over the winter. 

Holly, Bea, Umaiza and Ella planted bulbs, ready to bloom in spring time. We chatted about what makes us calm, either in nature or elsewhere. 

Some children chose to learn the clove hitch with ropes, Eva, Ziva, Holly, Senna and Rory did a great job. Farren created a brilliant Remembrance poppy by lacing wool around sticks, whereas other children created remembrance log slices. We talked about gratitude in line with the remembrance theme.

Children chose restaurant play, making use of the mud kitchen, tree climbing, and bird play as some of their free choices.  In week 3 we melted chocolate - in line with the children's learning about the Maya. Lots of children chose to use fire strikers - Nate, Rory, Spyros, Kaylon showed great perseverance. William was a great fire monitor. 

Week 4 was all about foxes. Fox session, fox sound game, orienteering - questions about Foxes, fox footprints, fox log slices, Patrick Darwin and Ruben loved sawing log, great team work over 2 weeks. 

We played the bat game, created LOTS of Christmas decorations.  Ella, Charlie, Finn and Oscar were very confident with the knife and Senna made up own snowman decoration.

Avid made his own two boats by splitting wood and using a palm drill to add a sailing mast. Charlie asked for the laplander to cut pallets apart. 

Year 4 are very good at knowing what Forest School has to offer and making their own choices. 

Happy Christmas everyone and see you in 2025.  

Forest School Year 4 Term 2 2024-2025