IN ASSOCIATION WITH
FOREST SCHOOL NEWS FROM SPRING GROVE
SPRING GROVE IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME A NEW HEAD OF FOREST SCHOOL TO THE STAFF TEAM IN 2023 . STEPHANIE MCCULLOUGH IS A TEACHER AND FOREST SCHOOL LEADER AND HAS WIDE EXPERIENCE BOTH IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN THE WOODS .
Spring Grove ’ s extensive Forest School site offers children from nursery age upwards a wide range of opportunities to engage in child-led learning and play-based learning . Forest School allows children to get into their ‘ flow state ’ where they are completely involved in what they are doing , using their adults as facilitators rather than teachers .
The children also learn skills for life in Forest School - from how to dress appropriately for the weather to lighting fires and mastering the art of using tools . The children enjoy activities such as making bird feeders , building dens and - of course - telling stories and making s ’ mores around the campfire .
Steph says : “ One of the best parts of our Forest School sessions has been witnessing the wonder in the children ’ s eyes as they find something new or interesting , the excitement as they run off up the hill and the calmness as they settle into the slower pace of the woodland classroom .” And a child ’ s point of view also highlights the benefits of the setting for children ’ s mental health : “ I love Forest School . The rest of life is so busy and stressful . Forest School is much more relaxed and good for my mind .”
www . springgroveschool . co . uk
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