04
Sep

Gresswell Forest School – Fridays

  •  12/10/2018 - 14/12/2018
     10:00 am - 1:00 pm

We’d love for you to join us in Term 4 at Forest School in Gresswell Forest in Macleod. The children will continue their forest school program and learning in the bush, as we build of topics and skills covered in Term 2 & 3.  This 10-week program has been specifically designed for children aged 4 years + and provides an enriched and supported environment for kids to learn naturally.

Our team of highly experienced forest school educators will support your child’s learning so that they become more confident, curious, capable and are taught to learn how to take safe risks in the bush through climbing, building and using real tools. They will also discover and learn about our natural environment and it’s fascinating wildlife.

Some of the activities that the children may do include:

  • Using hammers, drills and a saw.
  • Bush navigation using maps and identifying symbols/landmarks in the area.
  • Learn rope knots and construction.
  • Bush and snake safety.
  • Nature art & craft/weaving/making paints and journalling to record information.
  • Maths, science, literacy, and numeracy through real-life experiments and hands-on activities.

The sessions will have a gentle and welcoming rhythm with circle time at the beginning, (Indigenous acknowledgment, sharing ideas and discussing safety rules) and gatherings on the mat to share stories (children are supported to be part of storytelling), and if they choose to, have morning tea and lunch together.

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 Penny & Ashlee.

  • Penny is a qualified Primary School Teacher, children’s yoga teacher and level 3 trained Forest School Leader who has been facilitating our Gresswell Forest bush playgroups for the past two years. She has extensive knowledge of the area, it’s flora and fauna.
  • Ashlee is an Early Childhood Educator, wilderness camp leader and outdoor puppet theatre designer who has been working with children for nearly 10 years.

These sessions will also be supported by Eco Explorers founder and level 3 Forest School Leader, Melinda, as well as a volunteer forest school trainer. All facilitators are skilled and trained to work with children in the bush and hold a level 2 advanced first aid and carry first aid kits with them at all times.

Forest school Melbourne 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.

 

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