Kids dig deep in fun lessons
Pupils go wild for woodland learning
Youngsters from a Hamilton school got out into the wild and behind the camera to film their outdoor adventures.
Children from Chatelherault Primary had fun with their friends, while learning about den building and campfire cooking.
And they also filmed their experiences in the great outdoors so that they could pass on what they learned about their environment.
Pupils learned their new skills thanks to a ‘forest school’ programme from the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP).
The programme believes that nature is the original classroom and learning to love the outdoors is important for childrens’ development. Karen Dobbins, the Growing Up Wild development officer at CAVLP, said: “The Growing up Wild initiative is all about empowering schools and communities to get out playing and learning in their local woodlands and greenspaces.
“There’s a worrying focus these days on the demise of natural play and related decline in child wellbeing as they lose contact with nature.
“I believe that we can, and need, to change this.
“As adults, the most precious gift we can give to the children in our communities is the space, the time and the freedom to play – and play they will!”
The Chatelherault children were joined by youngsters from Lanark’s Robert Owen Primary and Blackwood Primary on their adventures. Go to www.clydeandavonvalley.org/ explore to view the videos that chart the children’s development.
Some research has shown that when children spend quality time outdoors, it affects them in lots of positive ways.
It can help them develop better social skills, while their confidence and self-esteem goes up.
Working with others on challenging outdoor activities also encourages them to work with others, while an appreciation of being outdoors can be transferred to family activities outside of school.
People interested in finding out more about natural play initiatives in the area, can request to join the ‘Growing Up Wild – Outdoor Play’ Facebook group
There’s a worrying focus these days on the demise of natural play