The A-Team is one of my all time favourite programme, i love the humour, the comedy, the wit and the catchphrases. (I bet you are thinking now, Forest School, A-Team? HUH?).
The best catchphrase is spoken by the immortal Hannibal Smith played by the late, great George Peppard as he usually walks in on a group of baddies, slumped and beaten into the ground. The cigar is then sparked up, puffed out and the words 'I love it when a plan comes together' are beautifully spoken, and as the audience we really do love it.
I mention this phrase as it sums up how i feel about Forest School after finishing my two Level 3 practical days, practical days that i have found challenging, have laughed at uncontrollably in and have loved it when the lesson plans have come together (bad joke i know!).
It all started with my level 1 course back in 2008, something that was done on a hunch, a feeling and a 20 second recommendation from a friend and it has now developed into something that i will use and develop for the rest of my life.
For a quick history lesson Forest School is run by Bridgwater College in Somerset and it was taken from a concept in Scandanavia. To put it simply is it a concept for environmental education, or any education for that matter. It is all about creativity, independence, self-esteem and confidence, creating child-led environments with activites that are 80% achievable and 20% challenging, meaning no one loses or comes away negatively in Forest School.
Now, jumping forward to the present i have almost finished my leaders training with my 2 practical days. I have loved these past two days, 2 days that i have spent outside in a relaxed environment and learning with people who for one thing make me laugh so so much.
The summary for the two days is as follows....
Day 1 = hello & introductions, knots and lashings, kelly kettles and tea, making wood crosses, making fencing, lunch+tea, making kazzo's, tool use, creating picture frames, creating 'dreamcatchers', a fairwell
Day 2 = hello & catch up, creating fires, making fires, tea, wood collecting, building fires, cooking lunch, activities with ropes, building rope bridges, end talk,other info, a sad farewell.
The aim of these past two days has not only been to learn new methods and activities but also it gives the assessors a chance to have a look at your planning skills and how you adapt and communicate in the outdoor environment.
THE best thing about the past 2 days has been the adaptability of the sessions, they can be used in so many situation. They can be used for nursery children, reception classes, teenagers, problem children, adults, problem adults! bossess, managers, even celebrities. The great thing is that the Natural World is not forced upon you, but you are encouraged to open your eyes that little bit wider, to see, understand, respect and enjoy.
In a world where children are spening most of their time in front of a screen and adults are too busy to relax and explore, all of the qualities of Forest School are of the upmost importance if we, as a species, are to protect and learn to live with the planet. We need to learn, respect, understand and have some fun outside before we decide to save it
With all these new learning paths and possibilities i really do feel like a plan is finally coming together.
Great post. I especially like the last bit, reflective with some significant points. Sadly, so many households are equipped with a TV and computer, resulting in a focus on a screen and at times losing the desire to go out and run around outside! Being in nature is important for children and adults and there are so many beautiful places! Thanks you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteForest School, summed up in a nutshell!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying it so much and good luch with the portfolio!
Sarah B