It was a year 2 group (think 7 year olds).Some were excited to go on a school trip, whilst many would have preferred Marhs or RE! Asking around, most children hadn't visited the forest, it's the biggest one nearby (think 10 miles), which is quite sad really although the school is in a poor area.
The morning involved a talk on the forest and its uses (it's an FC forest), showing knots and then putting the skills to practice by setting up a tarp and hammock. Most children really enjoyed this and managed to work as a team too! The morning session was finished off with flint and steel. The leader was great, explained the risks of using them and even explained not to light fires without permission. All the children had a go at lighting cotton wool with the flint. Don't think any of them had played with flint before and none had made a fire (and I bet some of the teachers come under this label too!).
The afternoon was an art lesson, using nature to make a picture. It's the first lesson I've seen where all children took and active part in the lesson, all were motivated to do their work and they ALL finished their pieces in the allocated time!
Think all the children enjoyed their day and I'm guessing all slept well that night too! Was good seeing how the children were outside and how they worked together. Hopefully it will inspire some to go back to the forest and enjoy the it for what it is. Was just happy to be with the children that day and see them experience first hand their day
