7 Tips for Teachers

As SATs and exams approach, what do most school students (and you!) need at the moment? A day out of the classroom in the fresh air, using the woodland environment to introduce and bring new concepts to life.

So, how can the forest benefit you as a teacher?

1)   Embrace the outdoors

Encourage students to explore and engage with nature in a hands-on way. What can they help with? How can we work together to improve our forest?

2)   Foster curiosity

Allow students to ask questions and discover the natural world around them. Focus on colours, sounds, scents - even the weather. The forest offers a safe and fun way for children to learn and develop new skills, providing an opportunity to experience first-hand the importance of the environment and biodiversity – as well as a refreshing break from the normal school routine.

3)   Promote independence

Give students opportunities to problem-solve and make decisions in a natural setting. For example, how can we help tidy up after seeing some rubbish on the ground? Can we plant some flower bulbs to ensure colour in the summer? Can we build a bird box so they have somewhere to nest in the winter?

4) Incorporate play

Use games and activities to make learning fun and engaging in the forest environment. Our sessions are run by experienced outdoor educators. We offer a range of curriculum-linked school sessions, which make full use of our fantastic 100 acres of woodland, meadows, river and ponds.

5) Safety first

Ensure that students are aware of safety guidelines and protocols when exploring the forest. We take groups of up to 30 children per class so we can make sure everybody has an amazing, safe time!

6) Encourage creativity

Provide materials and opportunities for students to express themselves creatively in the forest setting. Encourage students to learn through direct experiences and interactions with nature.

7) Reflect and debrief

Take time to reflect on the day's activities and discuss what was learned during the forest school session.

By following these tips, you can create a rich and engaging learning experience for students in our forest school setting - just email info@footprintsonthemoon.co.uk for more information and to book.