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Forest Schools at Cookridge Primary School Mr Maldonado

Forest Schools at Cookridge Primary School Mr Maldonado. What is Forest Schools?. “ An inspirational process that offers children, (young people and adults) regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment ”

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Forest Schools at Cookridge Primary School Mr Maldonado

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  1. Forest Schools at Cookridge Primary SchoolMr Maldonado

  2. What is Forest Schools? “An inspirational process that offers children, (young people and adults) regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment” O'Brien & Murray (2008).

  3. What is the history behind the initiative? 1994: Introduced to the UK by Bridgwater College in Somerset and has seen unprecedented growth throughout the UK since. Originally a concept developed in Wisconsin in 1927. 1950s: Introduced in Sweden and Denmark. International curriculums: - Reggio Emilia, N. Tuscany - Hi-Scope, USA - Te Whariki, New Zealand

  4. Research on benefits of Outdoor Education • Educational Philosophies • Child-centred education (Froebel) • Learn by doing linked to real life (Dewey) • Natural environment feeds creativity (Steiner) • Importance of space to move (McMillan) • Educational Research • Development of Physical Literacy (Whitehead 2010) • Increased physical activity (Mygind 2007) • Increased motor development (Fjortoft 2004) • Better understanding of risk (Gill 2007) • Improved well being and mental health (Louv 2005) • Counteract ‘toxic childhood’ (Palmer 2006) • Children need to move to learn (Ouvry 2003 ) • Sensory integration – food for the brain (Ayres 2005) • All postural behaviour comes from balance (Goddard Blythe 2005) The proof is out there...

  5. Why introduce Forest Schools at CPS? * Builds independence * Increased self esteem * Curiosity * Exploration of senses * Spatial awareness * Motor development * Social skills * Team building * Risk management * Cross- curricular skills * Problem solving * Creativity * Self-discovery * Imagination

  6. Why is Outdoor Education so important in an ever-demanding school curriculum? Consider the experience of many children in today’s society… - Play? - Access to the outdoors? - Access to nature? - Access to space?

  7. How do we recognise this in the classroom and beyond? - Poor organisation - Poor co-ordination - Appear clumsy - Poor attention/easily distracted - Lack stability (legs around chairs, wide sitting) - Grip pencils extremely hard - Poor social skills -inappropriate comments/behaviour - Inability to think for themselves - Lack of problem solving skills - Lack of knowledge about the environment - Inability to transfer learnt skills to real life - Poor health

  8. Why move the lessons to a forest? Outdoor Classroom Culture - Discover the information themselves through investigation - Experiencing topics first hand and relating them to real life situations - Working in collaboration with others - Testing one’s own limits and learning what is safe - The unexpected - Multi- Sensory/ Whole child development - Physical development Classroom Culture - Told the information - Reading about topics - Physical distance from others - Limitations - The expected - Intellectual development - Physical inactivity

  9. Questions • What does my child need to wear? • Winter • Woolly hat, gloves & scarf • Cagoule, waterproof trousers • Hoody • Wellington boots & thick socks • Summer • Sunhat, sun cream • Sturdy shoes or wellingtons & thick socks • Cagoule • Long sleeve/ trousers* How do I know my child is safe? • High staff : child ratios • Fully trained • Vast experience • Secure site • Children learn rules by games & songs • Children involved in risk assessment • Safe practise for tool use • Does the weather prevent Forest School from taking place? • No! (apart from very high winds, lightning)

  10. Developments for the future • Future Plans: • All staff to have basic training • A staff member from each phase to become NOCN Level 3 trained • Regular outdoor lessons to become part of the curriculum • A specific area of the school grounds designated for Forest Schools

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