With the sun peeking through the canopy and the scent of summer in the air, the children embarked on a day of discovery, teamwork, and reflection, all rooted in Pennthorpe’s core values.
🌳 Independence: Investigating the Life of a Tree
The children explored the intricate world of trees. From bark textures to hidden insect homes, they asked questions, made observations, and marvelled at nature’s complexity.
🍃 Resilience: The Floating Challenge
Next came the resilience task: finding natural objects that could float. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded! After several soggy attempts, the children experimented with different materials, learning from each try. Their perseverance paid off, and the cheers when a leaf raft finally stayed afloat were a joy to hear.
🐛 Collaboration: Building Bug Hotels
Working in small teams, the children gathered sticks, leaves, pinecones, and bark to construct cosy bug hotels. They discussed designs, shared tools, and supported each other throughout. The results were not only practical but beautifully creative—true testaments to the power of collaboration.
👂 Reflection: Listening to the Forest
To wind down, the children sat quietly and tuned into the sounds around them. Birds calling, leaves rustling, twigs snapping underfoot—each sound was named and noted. This peaceful moment encouraged mindfulness and deepened their connection to the environment.
🏕️ A Sweet Ending: S’mores by the Campfire
No Forest School day would be complete without a treat! Gathered around the campfire, the children toasted marshmallows and made gooey s’mores, surrounded by friendship and laughter as the flames crackled. It was a warm, delicious break time before the children finished the day with some free time to play and explore.