Staplegrove primary Summer Term

 Staplegrove Primary have had a busy term I wanted to let you know what we got up too… yet again lots of fun and exploring!

Rowan continued their learning after half term with Den building. In small groups each team had to build a water tight shelter using only natural resources, a trap and some ropes. We learnt a new knot, the 'timber hitch’ which we then had to try and use within our shelters.  Claire came along to see how water tight each shelter really was with her trusty watering can - all teams did a great job! 

We got creative as a class, looking for letters within nature. We had to create our own name with the challenge of only using natural materials.

Rowan class finished their slots of lessons with cooking on the fire and we cooked apples - yum! We learnt how to respect the fire circle and only enter when asked. We then had a choice of sugared apples with an added extra sprinkle of cinnamon if we wanted to try it.  We also had a go at striking with a flint & steal. It really doesn’t take some perseverance! Some children were able to light a fairy fire though.

Reception Elm class started there slot of lesson by retelling the story of the Gruffalo together and then in teams we created homes for the characters. We had some amazing homes for a Mouse, Owl, Snake or Fox. What great effort to only use natural resources found in Forest School.

Elms last lesson before the end of the term was Den building. We were only allowed to use the natural resources around the site and then each group was given a tarp and 8 pegs to build a shelter that was watertight. I came along with a watering to see how well made they were. The children loved counting down for the rain to arrive.

We have enjoyed lots of free exploring, mud kitchen, den building and crafts at the After School Club this half term.

We have made spring pictures, lentil clay art as well as making our very own family of gnomes. We also had a fire and enjoy toast as our snack one week. Some children practised their fire lighting skills too. Great effort as its not as easy as it looks!

I’m looking forward to having a fire with Elm next term and starting our slot of lessons with Willow Class. Please remember we go out whatever the weather so trousers, long sleeved tops, wellies, coats, are all essentials in this changeable weather!