Kylemore Nursery School is delighted to be involved in the Forest School project supported by the Northern Ireland Forest School Association.
Forest School is an exciting and innovative educational experience that has been shown to be hugely beneficial to all those taking part. It is the place where magic can start to happen as imaginations, self-confidence and vocabulary start to grow. Every visit to the Forest will be to the same place, yet the story will always change and be different. The amazing memories and adventures that take place in Forest School will always be enjoyed.
We are so fortunate that we have are very own forest area within the grounds of the nursery. The forest area is known as Flip’s Forest.
In Forest school all children are given the opportunity to access, experience and enjoy learning while working in the outside environment. We take the “classroom” outside and use the beautiful surroundings, weather and sounds to enhance their learning visually, orally and sensually. This holistic approach encourages children’s imaginations, build’s self-esteem and creates the desire to understand, learn and respect the natural world around them. The children are in a safe environment where they can succeed, create and use early Maths and Literacy skills without them even realising it! Through exploration and discovery, the children are able to enjoy and self-initiate their own learning.
Forest School Sessions
Forest School begins around the Fire Circle, where we talk through the safety rules for working outdoors and about respecting each other. For every session we have a lesson plan which includes an activity. Children can also engage in free play and explore the forest environment. Finally, the class returns to the Fire Circle for the close of the session.
What to wear for Forest School
To get the most out of Forest School children need to be dressed appropriately. Your child’s class teacher will keep you informed of your child’s Forest School Day on Seesaw.
On forest school day it would be beneficial for your child to wear an
- extra base layer
- woolly hat and gloves
- welly boots
- waterproof/warm coat
- waterpoof trouser
In every class we have a qualified Forest School Leader. We always welcome additional pairs of hands so if you would like to support the class on Forest School Day then please speak with the class teacher well before the day to enable for planning.
As a school we value professional development and forest school, this year two more staff are completing the Forest School NI Level 3 Award.
The Forest School sessions will be delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA). NIFSA is a local charity that has been set up to promote outdoor environmental education for children in Northern Ireland.
