11/06/2023
During Term 5, Year 1 learned why butterflies and bees are so important for our environment. To help them, we sowed wildflowers in our Forest School planters, hoping to spot new wildflowers in the allotment next year. Some of the children enjoyed building a shelter using tarpaulin and bamboo. In addition, we began preparing items to sell at the school summer fete. The children have been busy cutting wood with a bow saw, drilling with a hand drill, and also doing some painting (I can't reveal more, it's a surprise 😉).
Term 5
6/04/2023
Year 1 came back to the allotment this academic school year during the autumn term. The children have had the opportunity to experiment floating and sinking with autumn natural resources (pine cones, sticks, leaves, stones, conkers, cookie tree). Just before winter, we learned about migration and why some birds prefer to leave our country during winter. We made some birds feeders with pine cones, lard and seeds to help the birds staying.
As all the Y1 already took part in Forest School sessions when they were in Acorns, they were really quickly ready to enjoy a fire. During the winter term, to stay warm, we did a few cooking sessions on the fire. It has also given the opportunity to review why it is so important to wash our hands before cooking or eating,
We have experimented different ways of cooking on the fire:
- we cooked sausages, baby potatoes and baby carrots in a paper foil
- ash bread on sticks
- popcorn in a pan
The most popular was definitely the ash bread. As we can see on the pictures below, the children were wise and responsible around the fire. It is always a bonus when the children embody the school values 
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As the spring was slowly approaching, we spotted the first signs of spring in the allotment. We saw some buds on the tree, some primroses and daffodils on the ground, a bird nest... At this time of the year, we started our Easter baskets made of clay. That took us three sessions as we needed to wait for the clay to dry before painting them. I was impressed by the level of engagement and focus during this activity. Alongside the activities led by an adult, the children could access as continuous provision some shovels for careful digging, observe the bugs in our bug hotel, climb the cherry tree or swing on the tyre swing. Sometimes, they also relax or hide in the Forest School hammock.
Next term, our learning will focus on bugs, animals and we will probably have the opportunity to safely use a bow saw and a hand drill 
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Sinking / floating and birds feeders
Winter ice
Cooking on the fire
Easter baskets
Birds watching
