Preparing Your Child for Forest School
Embarking on the journey of forest school education is an exciting adventure for both children and their families. At Kettle & Crow, we believe that preparing your child for this unique learning environment is key to ensuring they get the most out of their experiences with us. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you prepare your child for the joys and challenges of forest school.
1. Dress Appropriately
One of the most crucial aspects of forest school is dressing appropriately for the weather and environment. Ensure your child is equipped with:
Waterproof clothing: A waterproof jacket, pants, and boots are essential to keep your child dry and comfortable.
Layers: Dressing in layers allows your child to adjust their clothing based on their activity level and weather changes throughout the day.
Sun protection: On sunny days, a hat and sunscreen are important to protect your child from UV rays.
2. Foster Independence
Forest school encourages children to develop their independence and self-regulation skills. You can foster this at home by:
Practicing dressing: Encourage your child to dress themselves, focusing on using zippers and putting on their own shoes and coats.
Self-care skills: Teach your child to manage their own hygiene needs, such as using the toilet independently and washing their hands.
3. Discuss Expectations
Talking to your child about what to expect at forest school can help ease any anxieties and set clear expectations. Discuss:
Outdoor learning: Explain that they will be spending a lot of time outdoors, in all kinds of weather, and that getting dirty is part of the fun.
Activity types: Describe the types of activities they might do, such as exploring the woods, playing games, and learning about plants and animals.
4. Encourage Curiosity about Nature
Instill a love and respect for nature by engaging in nature-based activities before school starts:
Nature walks: Take regular walks in nature, pointing out different plants, animals, and insects.
Outdoor play: Encourage unstructured play in natural settings to familiarize your child with outdoor environments.
5. Establish a Good Sleep Routine
A well-rested child is more engaged and happier during school hours. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that ensures your child gets enough sleep to face an active day outdoors.
6. Nutrition and Hydration
Teach your child about the importance of staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods, which are vital for energy throughout the school day:
Packing lunch: Involve your child in packing their lunchbox with protein-rich foods and a water bottle.
7. Read Books about Forest School
Reading books about forest school and outdoor adventures can help your child visualize what their new school will be like. Consider titles like:
The Stick Book by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield: Ignites creativity with loads of fun, imaginative activities using simple sticks.
The Bug Collector by Alex G. Griffiths: Follow a young enthusiast’s journey into the fascinating world of bugs, highlighting the beauty of small creatures.
Fiery Fox Learns About Fire Safety by Zee Gimon: Fiery Fox's adventures teach essential fire safety tips in a fun and engaging way.
Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature by Rachel Williams: Encourages mindfulness through 50 beautifully illustrated nature stories.
The Amazing Mud Cake by Maryann Cocca-Leffler: A tale of messy play and creativity, featuring Ollee’s adventures in the mud kitchen.
By preparing your child with the right tools, knowledge, and mindset, you help set the stage for a successful and joyful experience at Forest School. At Kettle & Crow, we’re excited to partner with you in fostering a deep, enduring connection between your child and the natural world.
