*** THIS SESSION IS SOLD OUT!!**

Join us for a term of adventures and learning in the bush, as we embark on our first forest school for 2018! This 10-week program has been specifically designed for children aged 4 – 8 years (kinder aged and homeschooled children) and provides a highly enriched environment for kids to learn naturally. Do you have a curious child? A child that loves to climb, build, run and be free? Then this program is for them. We’ll embark on many adventures through the bush where we learn, discover and explore our natural environment and it’s fascinating wildlife.

The children will learn how to use real tools and make woodworking projects, learn rope knots and bush navigation, snake safety and even how to light fires. They will also learn to build various structures out of branches and sticks like rope swings, ladders and cubbies and learn basic tracking skills. There will have plenty of opportunities to be creative through weekly nature art and craft activities, weaving and nature journalling inspired by Charlotte Mason and Steiner education. We will also introduce basic concepts of numbers, counting, letters, shape and colour recognition, patterns and maths.

The sessions will have a gentle and welcoming rhythm with circle time and gatherings on the mat to share stories, sing songs and have morning tea together as a tribe.

Our forest school aims to inspire creativity, a natural curiosity and enriching sensory play experience while following your child’s interests at all times. We also ensure that children learn to use their bodies so that they develop strength, good balance and coordination while learning to take safe risks with guidance and support from the educators.

Our program is based on the leading research from world-renowned and leading Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through climbing, balancing, walking and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for learning and life skills, both physically and emotionally. As Angela illustrates, “too many of today’s children miss out on the full sensory richness offered beyond the walls of the classroom or home.”

Our Gresswell Forest School program is run by our facilitators, Penny & Ashlee.

• Penny is a qualified Primary School Teacher who has been facilitating our Gresswell Forest bush playgroups for the past year and has extensive knowledge of the area.
• Ashlee is an Early Childhood Educator, wilderness camp leader and outdoor puppet theatre designer who has been working with children for nearly 10 years.

This sessions will also be supported by certified Forest School Leader Melinda and all facilitators hold a level two first advanced first aid and carry first aid kits with them at all times.

Forest school is an all weather outdoor program so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children must have closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and a change of clothes. Our program will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 4-8 years

This forest school is open to kinder aged and homeschool children.

*This is a drop off and leave forest school, however, the first session is a free session with parents attending to meet and get to know your facilitators.