Fun in the forest
WHAT kid wouldn’t want to make a mud cake from earth and water, decorated with fallen petals, leaves, sticks and stones?
Or go on a egg hunt with golden tickets hidden in nature?
According to authors and forest school leaders Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton, it’s this sort of free play that helps children become better connected to the environment.
The pair have written a new book, A Year of Forest School, which comes out this week.
Following on from their bestselling Play the Forest School Way, it’s packed full of new games and survival skills that connect with the natural cycle of the year.
They say this book will get kids playing outside, developing new skills and discovering the wonder of nature, whatever the weather!
Structured around the four seasons, it’s packed full of step-bystep Forest School games and activities for pre-school children up to the age of 12.
In spring, for example, you can make a mud birthday cake to celebrate Earth Day (to play along with spring bird song), in autumn, you can gather fallen leaves to make mobiles or bake apples with nuts over a campfire and in summer you can make blackberry ink and feather quill pens.
Each season also includes a special extended session that combines multiple activities which could be used as an idea for a birthday party or simply a fun day out.
A Year of Forest School: Kids’ Outdoor Play and Skill-building Fun For Every Season by Jane Worroll & Peter Houghton: Watkins, pb £12.99.