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!