This week was the first forest school experience for many of our three to four year old children, some were a little apprehensive about what would lie ahead and what ‘forest school’ is all about. However, as we arrived at our woodland site those feelings of uncertainty quickly turned to excitement and intrigue as the children marvelled at the natural environment. All children suited and booted and wrapped up warm!! Ready for what would be a magical and imaginative day.

As we walked through the woods, we began listening to all the sounds around us. The children discussed who may live in the woods, giraffe, elephants, Squirrels, a bear, a giant? A GIANT!!!!!! Oh no, a giant, really? Only one way to find out! As we ventured out to find the inhabitants of the woodland, we discovered a dark and secluded space beneath some bushes. But who could live here? Perhaps the children were correct and it was the home of the bear. Riley and Walter creeped inside but they were quick to point out that there was no bear inside. Well, let’s keep looking, we look from the highest hill!

Patrick and Inez thought we may be on a bear hunt! Well we had found one cave! After discovering a huge hill to explore, Sima, Theo, Jonah and Yannik were mesmerised by the biggest, muddiest area we had ever seen! There was only one thing for it – let’s get in! However, this soon turned into a rescue mission. Riley’s idea of a long stick to help pull them out was a great idea, he held out a long stick to support his friends escape and Meg, Inez and Patrick supported the effort with rescue ropes. Would we save the children in time? After some hard work everyone was safe. Well that was the squelch squelch of the bear hunt, where should we go next?

As we walked along the path, we discovered a hill. Tara thought someone was watching us and sure enough there were two muddy faces in the tree. We all tried to make some more muddy faces before blasting off in our rocket ship to the giant’s castle. We all creeped up the winding path until we discovered the castle and an open door. But no one was inside, then we heard, “Fee Fi Fo Fum”. It’s the giant, run!!!! Theo discovered the giant’s treasure. It was definitely time to leave and get lunch. We may see the giant another day!

After a tasty and tummy-warming lunch under our shelter, we decided to go climbing. After searching for the best trees to climb, we discovered a huge fallen tree. It was immediately changed to an aeroplane. “Let’s go to the ice cream shop” shouted Inez. But ‘oh no’ we had run out of petrol. Luckily, Jacob and Yannick were on hand with some spare petrol, (sticks are a super resource, fantastic for petrol pipes) Soon the aeroplane was ready to go. Hold on everyone. Lets go!