Rain doesn't stop our play

Forest School Officer, Rachel Butler, describes a recent session where parents were able to join their children for a taste of what Forest School is all about.

We had a very special Forest School session this term in Liverpool, as the children at Chatham Nursery were joined by their parents as part of the nursery’s Environment Day. This allowed parents to gain a greater understanding of what Forest School is, and how their child is benefitting from the opportunity to attend weekly sessions outdoors in a natural environment.

Forest School is an opportunity for people young and old to take their learning outside in natural surroundings, and engage in various activities to increase their confidence, self-esteem, empathy and teamwork skills. It provides situations for learning how to take and manage risk, such as tool use and cooking on a campfire, while also learning about how special nature is, and encouraging respect for the environment.

A child wearing a blue waterproof all-in-one suit, splashing in a muddy puddle and smiling on a rainy day

On a drizzly day in May, parents joined their children at the nursery community garden to take part in their weekly Forest School session. Activities included fire lighting and tool use, alongside the array of activities that are usually on offer, including minibeast hunts, playing games and singing songs. Parents helped their child to cut a section off a willow branch using a bow saw. With this, the children then created their own small world figure by independently stripping the bark with a potato peeler, and adding features using pens and twine.

Fire lighting practice, using a striker and cotton wool, was a favourite of some of the parents. The sense of achievement as the cotton wool caught alight gave a feeling that, in daily life, we do not often experience as adults.

Three children in waterproofs cooking over a fire with an adult on a rainy day

After making the most of the rain by jumping in muddy puddles, the session ended with the children toasting apple slices dipped in sugar and cinnamon on the campfire. The rain tried to extinguish our fire but with resilience and perseverance, we kept it alight long enough for every child, and some parents, to cook their apples. These went down a treat and were thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Feedback from the parents after the session has been extremely positive. Although it rained throughout the day, fun was had by all. Parents recognised the benefits of the sessions, with several families stating how some of the activities would be simple to replicate themselves at home. Being able to show their parents the skills they have learned was also a moment of great joy for the children. One parent in particular was very surprised by how careful their child was when using what they considered to be dangerous tools.

Being able to show their parents the skills they have learned was also a moment of great joy for the children.

Along with planting and using recycled materials in crafts, to name just a few activities hosted by the nursery staff, the appreciation for nature and the environment was brought to the forefront for all involved in this special day. Thank you, Chatham Nursery for letting us be a part of it!