June 5th ages 5-11: Fire building, Resilience, and Play!
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
Parent Resources for continued learning this week:
A New Term!
The first day with our new summer group at forest school brought together a great mix of returning students and new faces, all eager to dive into outdoor learning and play. The day unfolded with a blend of child led learning and guided activities that sparked creativity, teamwork, and resilience. From discovering a natural bush fort to exploring fire starting with ferro rods, the children experienced a rich variety of nature studies and bush craft skills that made the day memorable.
The Bush Fort: A Natural Playground
One of the highlights was the bush fort, constructed entirely from bushes and small trees that grow together, this natural shelter quickly became the hub of activity. It offered shade from the sun and a cozy spot for pretend play. Most of the kids chose to eat their lunches inside the fort, enjoying the cool shelter and the sense of friendship and community it created.
The fort also encouraged teamwork and cooperation. Children worked together to add branches and leaves, making up stories and playscapes and making it their own. This hands-on experience connected them deeply to the environment and showed how nature can provide both fun and function.
Exploring Creativity Through Painting and Storytelling
While some children were drawn to the bush fort, others found joy in painting sticks, rocks, and wooden pieces. Using natural materials as their canvas, this activity blended art with nature studies, encouraging observation and creativity. Ms. Katlyn taught our kids about water color painting techniques and the students practiced painting what they saw around them in nature.
Several children also gathered around to listen to stories read aloud. These moments of calm storytelling balanced the energetic play and helped foster a love for books and imagination. The mix of active and quiet activities supported different learning styles and interests, a key part of child led learning.
It is so interested to see where the kids choose to take rests and sit quietly in nature without any prompting. Today we had kids lounging in hammocks, sitting by the stream and even painting up in Trees. We love to see the kids using autonomy and taking the space that they need to re energize and rest.
Water Play and Mud Art: Teamwork in Action
Water play was another popular choice. Children worked together to collect water from a nearby creek, carrying it back to the play area. This task required cooperation and planning, reinforcing the importance of team work and cooperation in outdoor learning.
With the water, they created mud for finger painting and other artistic experiments. This messy, tactile activity connected them to the earth and allowed for sensory exploration. The teamwork involved in fetching water and sharing resources made this a valuable lesson in collaboration.
Part of the river play involved pretending to pan for gold, which captured the children’s imaginations. This playful activity combined exploration with storytelling, encouraging curiosity about natural resources and history.
The river setting also offered opportunities for observation and nature studies, as children noticed plants, insects, and water movement. These moments of discovery are essential in fostering a lifelong connection to the environment.
Fire Starting with Ferro Rods: Resilience and Discovery
A particularly exciting part of the day was the fire starting lesson using ferro rods. Only two students managed to create actual flames, but every child experienced sparks. No one gave up easily, showing impressive determination and resilience.
This activity introduced the children to basic bush craft skills and fire safety concepts. The instructors explained the three things fire needs to burn and the idea of "dead out," emphasizing safety and respect for nature. Watching the children persist through challenges was inspiring and highlighted the value of hands-on learning.
The Hot Walk and Cooling Breaks
The day included a hot walk back from the forest area, which tested the children’s endurance. To keep spirits high and bodies cool, breaks were taken where kids dipped their hats in water. This simple act became a fun way to refresh and stay comfortable.
Everyone handled the walk well, showing that outdoor learning builds not only skills but also physical stamina. The shared experience of the walk and breaks strengthened the sense of community among the group.
What Made the Day Special
The overall consensus among the children was that painting and fire starting were the best parts of the day. These activities combined creativity, skill-building, and excitement. The day’s success came from balancing structured lessons with child led learning, allowing each child to follow their interests while gaining new experiences.
SkyRiver forest school’s approach to outdoor learning encourages children to connect with nature, develop bush craft skills, and build social skills through team work and cooperation. This first day set a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
Encouraging Outdoor Learning at Home
For parents and home school families, this day at forest school offers ideas to bring outdoor learning into everyday life:
Create simple nature shelters or forts using sticks and leaves in your backyard.
Encourage children to paint or draw using natural materials.
Explore water play and sensory activities with mud or sand.
Teach basic fire safety and, if safe and legal, practice fire starting with adult supervision.
Take nature walks that include breaks and opportunities for observation and play.
Foster teamwork by involving children in group tasks like gathering materials or preparing snacks outdoors.
These activities support child led learning and help children develop resilience, creativity, and cooperation.
Parents and educators interested in nature studies and bush craft skills will find that encouraging these experiences builds confidence and a deeper connection to the natural world. The combination of play, teamwork, and hands-on lessons creates a rich environment for growth.
As the season continues, the lessons from this first day will inspire many more moments of discovery and joy in the forest.
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