Outdoor learning adventure for Year 1

On Tuesday, Year 1 enjoyed an off-site outdoor learning adventure. Excitement was high as the children climbed aboard the school minibuses and made the short journey to Bishops Wood Centre. On arrival, the party were greeted by Mrs Redman, who escorted them through the woodland to Bishop Wood’s Forest School site. Energy levels with given a boost courtesy of some delicious homemade cookies from the kitchen.

Mrs Redman then gave a thorough safety talk, reminding the children of the all important Forest School rules. As part of the safety talk, the children were also given a tour of the site. During this time the children were able to explore and become accustomed to this new Forest School location.

Next up the children enjoyed a range of activities, which included printmaking, wand-making and weaving. The children relished trying their hands at all the different tasks. Some of the children took it in turns to spark a fire using a flint; others worked hard in a team to build a very impressive den!

At 12pm, the children downed tools and enjoyed a picnic-style lunch, thanks to the catering team at school, which they thoroughly enjoyed eating alfresco! Lunchtime was rounded off with a story by Mrs Redman: The Happiness Tree was a fitting choice. The story encourages children and adults to explore the natural world, to venture into the outdoors in search of those special trees and mesmeric places that fill our hearts and souls with joy, and experience the pleasure and happiness that comes from being immersed in the wonder of nature.

After lunch the fun continued, with children spending more time on the activities from the morning. During the session they continued working on their impressive den. Time flew by and it was soon time for the children to tidy up. They rounded off their outdoor learning adventure with a final story read by Miss Lake: Hide and Seek. This of course led into a game of giant hide and seek.

It was a tired but accomplished group that arrived back at school on the minibuses. The staff commented on how delightful the children had been throughout the day.