Paddington class came to Forest School this afternoon. The children were set two challenges which involved different skills such as creativity, teamwork, mathematics, and resourcefulness, just to name a few.

Bird seed challenge.

The children were asked to measure the bird seed to ensure all of the birds would have they same amount to eat, and given a number of red dishes to share the seed between. However, before they could measure the seed they had to make their own balance scales. They had time to look at at explore my own set of scales before designing and making their own. The children really enjoyed filling the buckets and pots with seeds and comparing the different weights.

Bird nest challenge.

The children were also given the challenge and choice to make their own bird nest collage pictures. This involved them searching the woods to find suitable materials for their nests just like real birds. They enjoyed making their own birds to add to their nest pictures, with some children adding extra details such as eggs, and feathers. The children were very proud of their pictures at the end and could tell me all about birds and their nests.

On our walk into Forest School this morning, Gruffalo class really enjoyed looking at the bluebells which have filled the woodland floor with colour. The children took a closer look at the flowers and also told me that the flowers smelt beautiful.

Have a look for more bluebells in your garden at home or on your walk to school. How many can you find?

Mrs Read

Matilda class came to Forest School this afternoon and were given the challenge to make their own balance scales to measure out bird seed in equal measure to ensure all of the birds would have the same amount of seed for dinner.

First I showed them my own home made scales using a coat hanger, hooks and buckets. We talked about how a balance scale works and the children were very good at identifying heavy, light and equal.

Next we looked at the resources available to the children ready to make their own and the children had time to explore and trial their ideas. When complete the children enjoyed measuring out different amounts of seed and testing out their scales.

What else do you think we could use our Forest School Scales for?

Mrs Read

Simba class had a lovely sunny morning at Forest School today, which was perfect for exploring the shadow shapes made by the trees as the sun shone through them.

We rolled out a long piece of paper and carefully traced the shadow shapes we could see made by the trees. It was interesting to look at the different shapes and talk about where the shadows had come from.

Some of us found interesting branches to hold up and cast shadows for our friends to trace.

Some of the children found branches with sharp thorns on which lead to an interesting class discussion about why some branches have thorns.

Why do you think some plants have thorns?

Mrs Read

Paddington class came to Forest School this afternoon and enjoyed looking for signs of Spring. They were very good at spotting the changes in the woodland and spotting new things that were growing.

On on our walk into Forest School the children found daffodils, lesser celandine and even some bluebells starting to grow. They spotted blossom growing on trees and bushes, and took a closer look to find new leaf and flower buds. We stopped to stand still and listen and could hear birds singing and spotted two squirrels chasing each other up a tree. When we took a closer look on the woodland floor the children also found lots of different insects.

During their exploration time some of the children had a go at building some nests like the bird nests we had spotted high up in the trees. Most of the children gathered materials and made their nests on the floor, however some children took the harder challenge of making their nest in the trees. One of the nests made by the children perched on a branch even had a pine cone light to help the birds see at night!

Have you spotted any signs of Spring at home in your garden?

Mrs Read