In spring, for example, you could make a mud birthday cake to celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, or make a clay rabbit and enjoy dandelion tea and a chocolate egg hunt. At Forest School, children return to the same location again and again, building a lasting connection with a specific part of the natural world, and this book in its year-round approach will bring this aspect of Forest School play to the fore. Each of the four seasonal chapters includes a description of an extended session (combining active and quieter activities plus an idea for foraging/cooking) to guide Forest School leaders planning themed days and parents looking for party inspiration.
The Forest School ethos of nature-based play and learning that encourages children to develop confidence and self-esteem is exactly what's needed in an era when childhood problems such as obesity and anxiety are on the rise. Woven through the year are stories from the authors' own Forest School classes, as they make a passionate case for the importance of ensuring children's access to nature and the incredible benefits they will gain from being outside, even in the heart of a city. Age range: 8-12. Grade level: 3-7.
A Year of Forest School has the same lovely accessible style that our Forest School practitioners appreciate about Play the Forest School Way. A great book to dip into to top up the inspiration levels. The Forest School ethos is explained clearly and comes through in the way the activities are explained.
--Lily Horseman, Chair of the Forest School Association
Jane Worroll is a qualified Level 3 Forest School leader, running, with Peter Houghton, year-round Forest School sessions for children in London and elsewhere. She has worked outside for the majority of her adult life, in gardening, tree surgery and, for 12 years, as a Countryside Ranger, a role that included habitat management, monitoring protected species and leading volunteers. She has a degree in ecology as well as an MSc in environmental conservation.
Peter Houghton is also a qualified Level 3 Forest School leader. At a charity supporting vulnerable inner-city children and young people, he worked as an artist (in woodwork and other media) and as a key worker, as well as leading Forest School sessions. He is qualified and experienced in historical and ornamental woodcarving and in green woodwork.
Watkins Publishing
Pub Date: May 15, 2018
0.7" H x 7.8" L x 5.7" W
168 pages
paperback