Session 20 - We Spotted a Ladybird

A wonderfully sunny afternoon greeted us for Forest School today. We began the session with a blindfolded caterpillar trail. The children took it in turns to lead the group blindfolded around the school grounds. The children commented on how anxious they felt having to rely on their other senses and trust the leader to keep them safe as we wound our way over gravel, up steps, down grassy banks and through gates. We noticed that even with the blindfolds on, we could work out which way we were facing from the light and shade. We could feel how the ground changed under our feet and hear the different sounds our shoes made on the different surfaces.
We returned again to our willow spot to continue work on our key chains. JA had brought a guest to Forest School from class today and we began with a circle time to share what we had been doing in Forest School the previous week. SL and SS decided that they wanted to climb the willow. They said they would have to be careful where they stood as some of the branches were rotten and might break easily. In the crook of the branches, SS spotted a ladybird and asked to take a picture. I showed her how to set the macro function on the camera so that she could take a clear close up shot of it. We noticed that unusually, this ladybird had cream spots rather than black and we discussed why this might be.
SS and SL then decided to explore the wild area beyond the willow tree. SS spotted some nettles growing. She asked if we could collect some nettles to make nettle tea like Class 5 had as part of the World War II topic.
JA and NK showed IZ how to use the hand drill to drill a hole in her key chain. Then they decorated them with ribbons, braids and felt tips.
After snack we worked together to make a mallet from a piece of the willow that SL and SS had cut. This was the group's first experience of using the billhook to cleave wood. We just had time to make the handle, before the session finished, but the handle will require some whittling to refine it.
Next week, I will take in some more pieces of wood so that the children can have a go at making a mallet each.
Though if the group have their way, we will do some more marshmallow toasting too!