A360 Year 1 Forest School Floorbook

YEAR 1 FOREST SCHOOL FLOORBOOK

Wood work

KEY

Shelter building

Nature Knowledge

Rope skills Cooking and Fire

WEEK 1 This week in Forest School we became nature detectives! We went exploring to spot the first signs of autumn and noticed how our Forest School area had changed since our last visit. We talked about which things were natural and which were man-made. The most exciting discovery was a spider hiding in a crack in a log – it was camouflaged so well we almost missed it!

WEEK 2 This week at Forest School the children enjoyed a bug hunt, carefully searching under logs and leaves to discover mini-beasts and learning how to handle them gently. They worked together to build dens to keep dry in the rain, thinking about how to make strong, safe shelters. The children also developed their woodwork skills by using potato peelers to remove bark from green wood. We focused on safe tool use throughout, reminding everyone about keeping a “safe working space” and using the peelers away from their bodies while adults supervised closely.

WEEK 3 This week at Forest School the children continued their work with sticks. After peeling the bark last week using peelers, they enjoyed decorating their sticks to look like superheroes, using their creativity and fine motor skills. We also planted spring onion seeds: the children remembered their planting skills from last year, making a hole in the compost, sprinkling the seeds, covering them over and then writing name labels for their pots. While digging in the compost we discovered some slug eggs! The children were fascinated to see how the eggs were small, sphere-shaped and transparent, almost like tiny glass beads.

WEEK 4 This week at Forest School we harvested apples from our own tree and practised our knife skills by chopping them safely using the “claw grip” to protect our fingers. The children then cooked their apple pieces over the fire until they were soft and warm, showing brilliant listening and patience while they waited.

Finally, they chose their toppings – honey, sugar or cinnamon (some even had all three!) – and enjoyed their delicious creations around the fire.

WEEK 5 This week at Forest School we practised our rope skills and learned how to tie a simple knot. The children were so proud of their new skills and couldn’t wait to put them to use!

Afterwards, they worked together to build fantastic dens among the trees, showing great teamwork, problem-solving and creativity.

WEEK 6

This week at Forest School we learned all about the fire triangle — discovering that a fire needs oxygen, heat, and fuel to burn. Miss Rackstraw demonstrated one way to construct a fire safely, and the children showed fantastic listening and understanding.

We then used our woodwork skills from previous sessions to peel bark from green wood with potato peelers. Once our sticks were ready, we wrapped bread dough around the smooth part and cooked it carefully over the fire, making sure not to hold it in the flames. It took patience and teamwork as we waited for the bread to cook — and it was worth it!

We also checked on our spring onions and found they had started to grow, so we replanted them into bigger pots to give them more space. The children loved seeing the progress of their plants and talking about what they need to keep growing strong

WEEK 7

This week in Forest School we took time to reflect on everything we’ve enjoyed and learned during our outdoor adventures this half term. The children drew pictures of their favourite memories and the things they’ve learned, then proudly shared them with their friends. We finished the session gathered around the fire, enjoying a warm hot chocolate and celebrating all the wonderful things that nature gives us.

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