The Forest Kindergarten initiative started in Fife a few years ago. It was felt that some children were missing out on the kinds of experiences that we had as children – the freedom to play in woods, to take risks, to play together without adult interference. Forest Kindergarten allows children these experiences in a safe environment. The children travel by mini bus to Craighall Den or Hill of Tarvit for the whole of the morning or afternoon session. This has proved to be very popular and has many benefits for children.<\/p>\n
Children will
\n\u2022 have the freedom to play in woods (FK)
\n\u2022 play cooperatively, share and take turns
\n\u2022 learn about taking care of themselves and keeping safe
\n\u2022 be able to take risks (FK)
\n\u2022 play imaginatively (FK)
\n\u2022 be able to run, jump, roll, climb, balance using slopes, branches, trees etc.(FK)
\n\u2022 learn about seasons
\n\u2022 learn about nature
\n\u2022 use their senses
\n\u2022 have the health benefits that come from being in the fresh air
\n\u2022 remember the rules
\n\u2022 become familiar with the local environment<\/p>\n
Adult role \u2013 how do adults support children to develop these skills
\n\u2022 provide suitable out door clothing (FK)
\n\u2022 risk assess each trip
\n\u2022 organise transport, if required
\n\u2022 ensure adequate staff\/child ratios
\n\u2022 obtain parental consent
\n\u2022 ensure medication for specific children is taken
\n\u2022 provide snack and a drink, if required
\n\u2022 become familiar with names of trees, flowers, bushes etc. and have identification charts and books available (FK)
\nLanguage development opportunities
\n\u2022 names of trees, bushes, birds, flowers etc (FK)
\n\u2022 discuss points of interest, safety, weather etc<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s responsibility
\n\u2022 have fun
\n\u2022 keep safe
\n\u2022 use senses
\n\u2022 keep within the boundaries
\n\u2022 always be able to see an adult and for an adult always to see them
\n\u2022 walk beside an adult or behind them
\n\u2022 berries and toadstools are for animals and birds (FK)
\n\u2022 sticks are for working (FK)
\n\u2022 obey the rules<\/p>\n
Craighall Den<\/strong> The Forest Kindergarten initiative started in Fife a few years ago. It was felt that some children were missing out on the kinds of experiences that we had as children – the freedom to play in woods, to take risks, to play together without adult interference. Forest Kindergarten allows children these experiences in a safe … Continue reading Forest\/Outdoor Learning<\/span>
\nAs part of our outdoor learning we have regular visits to places of interest in our area. We use this to discover new and interesting things about our environment, to see the changes in the seasons through the weather and the plants and to promote and extend our gross motor skills through a variety of activities and physical challenges. We are also able to personal risk assess, building our resilience and coping strategies. Outdoor learning also encompasses numeracy, language and aesthetic aspects of the curriculum.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"