Inside Out Blog

Greetings, Little Explorers families!

As we transition from spring to the cusp of summer, the vibrant energy of the changing seasons has truly invigorated our weekly sessions in the woods. It has been a joy to see our little ones embrace the outdoors with such enthusiasm and curiosity. This half-term has been particularly special as we delved into the fascinating world of mini beasts. Let's take a moment to reflect on the adventures and discoveries that have made these weeks unforgettable.

A Warm Welcome to New Explorers

First and foremost, a warm welcome to the new families who joined us this term. It’s been heartening to see our community grow and to watch the children form new friendships while learning and playing together in nature. Numbers of our attendees are growing slowly week upon week, and it's so lovely to welcome new faces to our woods. The smiles and laughter shared among our Little Explorers are truly the heart of our Forest School.

Discovering the Mini Beast Kingdom

This term's focus on mini beasts has opened up a world of wonder for our toddlers. Each week, we set off on mini expeditions to uncover the hidden life in the undergrowth, beneath logs, and within the soil. Here's a peek into some of our memorable sessions:

Bug Hunts and Identification: Armed with magnifying glasses and bug boxes, our Little Explorers embarked on bug hunts, eagerly searching for beetles, ants, worms, and more. We learned to identify various insects and talked about their habitats, diets, and roles in the ecosystem.

Story Time and Songs: Stories about friendly dragonflies and busy bees captivated the children’s imaginations. We enjoyed a range of wonderful tales, including:

The Tiny Fly by Michael Rosen

The Grouchy Ladybug and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Nice Guy Dragonfly (a new favourite)

If Only (about a butterfly)

Bee by Britta Teckentrup

Crafting with Nature: Our creative explorations included making wool woven bees and printing hives, crafting beautiful beaded dragonflies with loreal wings, printing with painted apples to make ladybugs and creating our own butterfly cardboard flower catchers. Using leaves, flowers and other natural materials to print on materials using hammers (Hapazome) and threading wooden discs together to impersonate hungry caterpillars, the children expressed their creativity and took home unique mementos of their woodland adventures.

Exploring Habitats: Understanding where mini beasts live was a big part of our learning. From rolling over logs to peeking under rocks, the children explored various micro-habitats, learning about the importance of each creature in our ecosystem.

The Wonders of Nature Play

The improvement in the weather has been a welcome change, allowing us to spend more time outdoors without the need for extra layers. Sunny mornings and mild afternoons have made our explorations even more enjoyable. The children have loved the freedom to run, jump, and play in the dappled sunlight, fostering their physical development and connection to nature.

Looking Ahead

Next term (summer term) is our last half term before the big summer holidays. We do hope you can join us for more fun in the forest. Our booking system is now open, so make sure to reserve your spot for more adventures and learning in the woods.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. It is truly a privilege to watch your children grow, learn, and thrive in the natural world. Here’s to many more adventures with our Little Explorers!

* To see all the photos of the children this term enjoying Little Explorers please see our Facebook page and end of half term blog!*

Warm wishes,

Esther, Polly, Eleanor and Emma

Your Forest School Leaders