Woodland Session
Every Thursday morning, in terms 1, 5 & 6, we head down to our woodland site in the corner of Acklings Playing Field in Long Wittenham. This is the most popular part of the week for many of the children and we often find that the quieter children find their confidence down in the woodland session. Since starting the session in 2010, we have spent lots of time developing our site into a fun and safe environment for the children to play in as well as creating a small nature area for the whole community to enjoy. The children have the opportunity to get involved in all sorts of outside activities such as:
- Tree climbing
- Making mud pies and mud sculptures,
- Exploring the woodland and making dens
- Learning about insects, animals, plants and trees through investigation
- Working as a team and learning problem-solving skills
- Learning about boundaries and risk assessment
- Learning about the natural environment and how their actions impact upon it
- Learning the safe use of tools, such as bow saws, whittlers and mini-drills
As children explore the natural habitat, they become more in harmony with nature, bringing a sense of belonging and contentment. Our Woodland adventure is also a place to assess risk in a safe environment. This challenging play helps develop self-confidence, competence, emotional resilience and a sense of independence.
The children also spend time with Dorothy our resident dragon; telling her stories, sharing feelings, giving her a haircut and riding on her back. The children come back tired and dirty but happy with stories of their adventures and pockets full of the treasure they have found!
Dorothy’s main duties are:
- To keep a watchful eye on the woodland area when we are not on site.
- Tell stories about her adventures.
- To give rides on her back
- Listen to what the children have to tell her
