Forest schools offer a unique and enriching learning environment for young children, particularly those in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1. By taking education outdoors, we can provide children with hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection with nature. Let's explore some practical and engaging forest school ideas tailored for these age groups, organised by season.
Tips for setting up a forest school
Establishing a forest school is an exciting endeavour that can greatly enrich the learning experience for primary school children. Here are some key steps to get started.
- Identify a suitable outdoor space. This could be within the school grounds or a nearby woodland area.
- Conduct a risk assessment. Ensure the area is safe for children to explore and learn in.
- Obtain necessary permissions. If using off-site locations, secure appropriate agreements with landowners.
- Train staff. Invest in forest school leadership training for teachers to ensure they can facilitate outdoor learning effectively.
- Gather essential equipment. This may include basic tools, first aid kits and outdoor clothing for all weather conditions.
- Develop a curriculum. Plan activities that align with the national curriculum while making the most of the outdoor environment.
Why choose seasonal forest school activities?
Using the seasons to inspire forest school activities is a natural and effective approach. Here's why:
- Relevance. Seasonal changes provide a real-world context for learning about nature and the environment.
- Variety. Each season offers unique opportunities for exploration and discovery, keeping the curriculum fresh and engaging.
- Holistic learning. Seasonal activities can integrate multiple subjects, from science and maths to art and literature.
- Connection to nature. Observing and interacting with seasonal changes helps children develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
- Practical skills. Seasonal activities often involve hands-on tasks that develop fine and gross motor skills.
By aligning forest school activities with the seasons, teachers can create a dynamic, year-round outdoor learning programme that captivates children's imaginations and enhances their understanding of the world around them.
Forest school teaching resources
Try these outdoor learning forest school resources to introduce forest school activities to children in EYFS and KS1.
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1. Forest school activity (five in a row). This resource offers a team-based game where children work together to find five objects in a row or collect as many items as possible. It includes a diverse mix of natural objects for children to find, compare, smell and touch in the woods. This resource is particularly valuable for teachers new to forest school concepts, providing them with a ready-to-use printable activity to try. | |
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2. Forest school activity cards. These cards contain concise, easy-to-follow instructions for various forest school activities. They would be brilliant for quick reference during outdoor sessions, allowing teachers to flexibly adapt their plans based on children's interests or weather conditions. | |
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3. Outdoor learning teaching pack. This comprehensive teaching pack offers a wide range of outdoor educational activities that complement forest school sessions. for EYFS, KS1 and KS2. Including 32 teaching ideas and accompanying resources, it provides ideas for integrating outdoor experiences across various subjects, enabling teachers to create a holistic outdoor learning programme that aligns with the curriculum. |
These resources provide structured guidance whilst allowing for creativity and adaptation to suit individual school environments and children's needs. They can serve as a springboard for developing engaging, nature-based learning experiences that support children's holistic development in line with EYFS and KS1 objectives.
Forest school ideas: Spring
Spring brings new life and growth, making it an exciting time for outdoor learning. Here are two engaging activities for the season.
Budding botanists
This activity encourages children to observe and document the growth of plants, fostering an early interest in botany and developing observational skills.
- For EYFS: Create a simple 'nature diary' where children can stick leaves, petals or draw pictures of the plants they observe.
- For KS1: Introduce basic plant anatomy and life cycles. Children can measure and record the growth of seedlings over time.
- Learning opportunities: Develops observational skills, introduces basic scientific concepts and enhances fine motor skills through handling delicate natural objects.
Nest building workshop
This activity helps children understand bird habitats and behaviour while developing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
- For EYFS: Collect natural materials and create 'nests' in small groups, discussing what birds might need.
- For KS1: Research different bird species and their nesting habits, then attempt to recreate these nests using appropriate materials.
- Learning opportunities: Encourages teamwork, develops understanding of animal habitats and promotes problem-solving skills.
Forest school ideas: Summer
Summer offers a vibrant outdoor classroom full of life and colour. Here are two activities to make the most of this season.
Minibeast safari
This activity introduces children to the fascinating world of insects and other small creatures in their natural habitats.
- For EYFS: Use magnifying glasses to observe insects in their natural habitats. Create simple tally charts of creatures found.
- For KS1: Set up a 'minibeast hotel' and monitor its inhabitants over time. Introduce basic classification of insects.
- Learning opportunities: Enhances observation skills, introduces data collection and fosters respect for small creatures and their habitats.
Nature's palette
This creative activity helps children explore colours in nature and experiment with natural art materials.
- For EYFS: Collect natural items of different colours to create a 'rainbow' collage.
- For KS1: Use natural pigments (e.g., crushed berries, mud) to create paintings. Discuss how early humans might have created art.
- Learning opportunities: Develops colour recognition, encourages creativity and introduces concepts of natural history and early human culture.
Forest school ideas: Autumn
Autumn is a season of change and abundance, perfect for these nature-based learning activities.
Leaf detectives
This activity helps children learn about trees and the changing seasons through hands-on exploration of leaves.
- For EYFS: Go on a leaf hunt, sorting leaves by colour, shape or size.
- For KS1: Create leaf rubbings and use identification guides to name tree species. Discuss why leaves change colour.
- Learning opportunities: Enhances classification skills, introduces botanical concepts and develops fine motor skills through leaf rubbing activities.
Harvest helpers
This activity introduces children to the concept of harvesting and the origins of food.
- For EYFS: Set up a pretend 'farm shop' using natural objects as produce.
- For KS1: If possible, harvest real fruits or vegetables from a school garden. Use these in simple cooking activities.
- Learning opportunities: Develops understanding of food sources, introduces basic economic concepts through play and enhances sensory experiences.
Forest school ideas: Winter
Winter offers unique learning opportunities in the forest school setting. Here are two activities that embrace the season:
Animal trackers
This activity helps children learn about animal behaviour and habitats during the winter months.
- For EYFS: Create animal tracks in mud or sand using toy animals, then guess which animal made each track.
- For KS1: Look for real animal tracks in mud or snow. Make plaster casts of tracks found.
- Learning opportunities: Develops inferential thinking, introduces concepts of animal behaviour and habitats and enhances observation skills.
Winter warmers
This activity introduces children to the concept of insulation and how animals adapt to cold weather.
- For EYFS: Build 'nests' or 'dens' for toy animals using natural materials, discussing how animals stay warm.
- For KS1: Experiment with different natural insulators (leaves, moss, etc.) to keep a container of warm water from cooling down.
- Learning opportunities: Introduces basic physics concepts (insulation), encourages problem-solving and develops empathy for animals in winter.
Year-round forest school activities
While seasonal activities provide unique learning experiences, there are also many forest school activities that can be enjoyed year-round. These activities help children develop a consistent connection with nature and reinforce core skills throughout the year.
1. Story sticks.
During nature walks, children collect small objects to attach to a stick. These objects then become prompts for storytelling.
Learning opportunities: Enhances creativity, develops language skills and encourages a connection between nature and narrative.
2. Nature's orchestra
Create simple musical instruments from natural objects (e.g., seed pod shakers, stick xylophones). Use these to accompany songs or create soundscapes.
Learning opportunities: Develops auditory skills, encourages creativity and introduces basic musical concepts.
3. Nature scavenger hunt
Create a list of natural items for children to find, such as 'something smooth', 'something that makes a noise' or 'something older than you'.
Learning opportunities: Enhances observational skills, promotes physical activity, and deepens understanding of natural environments.
4. Mud kitchen
Set up an outdoor 'kitchen' where children can make mud pies, soups and other creations using natural materials.
Learning opportunities: Develops imaginative play, enhances sensory experiences, and introduces basic concepts of measurement and mixing.
Why should we use forest school activities?
Forest school activities offer a wealth of learning opportunities for EYFS and KS1 children. By embracing the changing seasons and the natural world around us, we can create engaging, multi-sensory experiences that support children's development across all areas of learning. Remember to always prioritise safety, respect for nature and the joy of discovery in your forest school sessions. Happy exploring!
