Last week the children were asked to think about the wildlife living in their gardens and local woodland. They used their detective skills to investigate which animals had visited by looking for animal tracks. We identified birds, horses, dogs, foxes and even a deer! From looking at the pictures clues below, can you match the tracks to the animals?
This week in forest school we have been noticing the signs of Spring and looking at animal habitats as many animals prepare for their babies to arrive. Children have been spotting and making different animal habitats during their walks. Karrem (Y2) watched a swan building a nest and spotted lots of mole hills! Ellie (Y2) discovered a natural hedgehog home and then decided to make her own in her garden. Mr Magnall shared a video of the changes happening in his frog pond, where he counted 40 frogs busily preparing for Spring! https://forest.aceprimary.uk/2021/02/28/monsters-in-the-swamp/
As the season is starting to change and the weather is warming up (a little), this week’s whole school challenge is to notice the signs of Spring. This is a very exciting time of year, when we notice so much more ‘life’ appearing around us! This spotter sheet will give you some good ideas of what to look out for. What else have you noticed?
Please leave a comment or send us an email at: forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
Moving on from our tree identification, we have started to think about why trees are so important. One crucial factor is that they support wildlife by providing food, shelter and habitats.
This week’s whole school challenge is to become super nature detectives and get animal tracking! Take a walk in your garden or local area and see if you can spot any animal tracks. Can you figure out who the tracks belong to? This tick sheet will help you.
The printable version can be found here http://www.treetoolsforschools.org.uk/activities/pdfs/pdf_animal_tracks_spotter_sheet.pdf
To extend your knowledge you could find out more about the animal you have identified. Do some research on the internet or from a book. You could produce a fact sheet, poster or PowerPoint presentation to record your findings.
Our Forest school groups have been thinking about ways to support the wildlife in our gardens or local woodland. A few weeks ago we made birdfeeders, below are some other ideas for birdfeeders that you can make at home.
You could also leave out shallow dishes of water for thirsty nocturnal visitors.
Another exciting way of helping wildlife is by building an animal habitat! Here are some ideas to help you:
We can’t wait to see what you get up to!
Please send your pictures or videos to forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
Here is a reminder of our whole school challenge this week:
This week’s whole school challenge is a winter tree ID. Can you take this sheet with you to help you identify the trees in your garden or local area? How many different trees can you find? How do they support the wildlife in the area?
What else could you find out about the trees you identify? Use a book or the internet to research one. Perhaps you could design a leaflet or a fact sheet on paper or using the computer. Could you create a model, collage, painting or picture of a particular tree?
here is a printable version:
http://www.treetoolsforschools.org.uk/activities/pdfs/pdf_winter_tree_spotter_sheet.pdf
Please send your pictures or videos for us to share to forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
If you enjoyed the ice art activity, which many of us in school did, then why not give this ice lantern a go? Taking inspiration from our creative ice art, could you add any natural materials, glitter or food colouring to the water to decorate it?
Please send your pictures or videos of your activities to: forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
Here we have more examples of our brilliant ice art! Well done Ellie in Y2 who also made a bird feeder which was visited by a few birds before a cheeky squirrel ran away with it!!
Thank you to all the class bubbles in school who have taken part in creating their own ice art and hung them on trees in our school orchid. It looks so wonderfully wintery and has become a delightful talking point in school this week. The first ones were placed outside on Monday and have still not melted! ❄️ What a chilly week we have had!
This week’s whole school challenge is a winter tree ID. Can you take this sheet with you to help you identify the trees in your garden or local area? How many different trees can you find? How do they support the wildlife in the area?
What else could you find out about the trees you identify? Use a book or the internet to research one. Perhaps you could design a leaflet or a fact sheet on paper or using the computer. Could you create a model, collage, painting or picture of a particular tree?
The printable version can be found here: http://www.treetoolsforschools.org.uk/activities/pdfs/pdf_winter_tree_spotter_sheet.pdf
Please send pictures or a video of your learning to forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
The children in Y1 shared some fantastic Forest School activities that they had completed at home. Both children proudly presented their creations during our Forest School zoom meeting today. Autumn challenged herself to completing both whole school challenges and then repotted her houseplants (with the help of her very cute cat) and enjoyed making giant shapes in the snow. Look at the fabulous Fern tree ice art and homemade bird feeder she created! Well done Autumn!
Kian decided to experiment with his ice art by using lots of different winter materials and different sized and shaped containers. Look at all of his beautiful winter wonderland creations! Super learning Kian, keep it up!
Please send your Forest school learning to forestschool@allertonceprimary.com
On a Friday afternoon I am fortunate enough to do a Forest School session with one of our year 2 bubbles. They have really enjoyed learning about birds and are becoming passionate birdwatchers!
Last week we went out into the school grounds and tried to identify the birds around us by listening to their birdsongs. After learning to recognise some new bird calls, we crept around the edges of the school field, hoping to spot them in the surrounding trees and bushes. We spotted so many different birds!
The children then had a go at sketching the birds they had seen before presenting their drawings to their friends.
As usual we ended our session with one of our favourite team games ‘The Echo Game’, which involves lots of movement to keep us warm!