Welcome to the very first Woodland Wire, where we share the wild, muddy, magical, and occasionally mint-scented happenings from Forest School!

This term, EYFS and Key Stage 1 have been extremely busy becoming mini woodland explorers. We kicked things off this half term with Mushy Peas on the campfire, yes, actual mushy peas, complete with mint sauce. (Some children were suspicious and some were delighted!) Then we practised some timber hitches to put up our own hammocks.

Next came our very own Forest School Fountain Firework, a mini whoosh of flames that felt special around the fire circle. Some children made magic wands and whittled the wooden sticks to create the base. These wands have been known to turn teachers into frogs, sticks into sausages, and s'mores into…  well, s'mores! Speaking of biscuits, we iced them too and made firework sprinkles! 

We also made the legendary forest school rainbow toast, aiming for just the right amount of toasting over the fire. And in the mud kitchen? Lots of excitement! We held Fizzy Mud Tea Party Explosions, where the mud bubbled, fizzed, and foamed like a witch’s cauldron. We made jingle sticks, perfect for shaking and festive music-making!

Meanwhile, in Key Stage 2, Year 5 have been on FIRE. (Not literally. Don’t panic.)

They’ve been working on their forest fire challenges, creating their own “Forest School matches” and using them to light tealights. Their mission: keep the flame alive for as long as possible by building the perfect little shelter around it. Many discovered that wind, sticks, and flames can be very dramatic together.

They’ve also been busy building hibernariums, cosy shelters for their mini hedgehogs. These were carefully tested to see how long their “hedgehogs” could stay warm. Great problem solving skills!

Year 5 have also enjoyed cooking pizza wraps over the fire, which were so tasty we think the squirrels tried to join our session.

And best of all?...Over the next few sessions, we’ll be heading off-site into the woods with KS2, ready to explore new landscapes, meet mysterious mini-beasts, and see what secrets the forest is hiding. EYFS will be making forest snow globes and KS1 will be using a bow saw, hammer and nails to make some festive decorations.

Why Forest School Matters (in a nutshell!)

At Kirklington, we know that Forest School helps children to:

• Develop confidence and resilience through real, hands-on challenges

• Build teamwork, cooperation, and communication (especially during group games!)

• Strengthen fine and gross motor skills through tool use, fire skills, and physical play

• Boost wellbeing by being outdoors, moving, exploring, and experiencing nature’s calm

• Encourage independence, problem-solving and creativity — from lighting tealights to designing hedgehog homes

• Foster an appreciation for the natural world, seasons, wildlife and caring for the environment

So bundle up, stay curious, and keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of The Woodland Wire…