Hedgehogs Woodland Day

Today was the most aniticipated day of the whole school year....Woodland Day!!!

For the past nine months Hedgehogs have had a weekly session in the woodlands. The session is completely child initiated which reflects the main principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.

At the end of each session the children are given the opportunity to reflect on what they have played or discovered. It also enables the children to discuss the problems they have faced and how they have solved them. "We cannot fit everyone in our den." "I know we can build a bigger one." These conversations are a vital skill for children to learn and the importance of communication. We found that the children would talk openly about their time within the woodland but would always end their conversation with "and then the whistle blew."

As an adult I felt incredibly guilty by the fact that these children were actively engaged, self motivated and becoming resilient learners. But it was my whistle that stopped this. So I suggested having a woodland day. I know what you are thinking... it isn't a new idea. But to Hedgehogs, it was going to be the best day ever!

Here are a few photographs to show what we got up to!

Collecting sticks for the fire!!!

Toast Time! Yum Yum

The children manged to spread their own butter and Jam!

Even Mr Croc had some Toast!

Nature Detectives - Wheelock Rail Trail

Last week Year 2 ventured out along the Wheelock Rail Trail on a mission to explore local wildlife. Working in groups of six, the children searched for plants and animals in their natural habitats. We spotted butterflies, bluebells, whitebells, birds, caterpillars, dragonflies and tadpoles. Some of the children even spotted a sleeping bat underneath the bridge! The children also learnt how to respect the environment by not picking plants or making unnecessary noise. After all our hard work, we had our snack at the old railway station whilst reflecting on our afternoon. Thank you to all who helped out for a fantastic afternoon.

Wildlife Detectives

What have you spotted?

Looking for tadpoles

Admiring the view

Bluebells

Bird's nest

Who lives down here?

Snack time at the old railway station

Mud Glorious Mud!

The weather was 'kind' this week and after a couple of months of little or no rain we had several heavy downpours, resulting in some glorious puddles which act like magnets to the children...

The puddles kept a lot of pupils engaged for the whole session, resulting in extended play and an excellent opportunity to practice their communication skills....

 There were smiles all round...

And of course the wet weather meant there were mini beasts galore, which several pupils were fascinated by...

                                                             

...leading to lots of questions,discussions and learning about food and habitats.

The learning staff took away was of a more practical nature-

we need to get some towels and a washing line!!!