When you break it down and look closely at a day in the life of a child, the expectations of children are so high these days. It maybe that your child hasn’t got a specific additional need such as autism but finds school a struggle. They may find building and keeping relationships with other children difficult or suffers from ‘worries’ or anxiety about going into school. I think it is more common than we think. I certainly have come across much more issues with anxiety in children than I did say 10 years ago. I am sure that the pandemic hasn’t helped children that have spent long periods at home and now are going back to school but not as they know it.
We have started back with some family sessions at Forest School. Our first one was last Sunday and it was lovely to see everyone again. We have found that the same families come back every session (which are currently monthly). The sessions are focused on families who have children with additional needs such as those who have been diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or children who suffer from anxiety from a past trauma which can affect their mood and behaviour. These children’s siblings come along too so that the children can be engaged in play in the same environment because they are each following their own interests. Like Chris (A parent) says in the video below, the evidence of Forest School working is the fact that he could stand and have a conversation and he wasn’t worried where the children were or if they were ok. This is because when children are engaged in their own chosen activities outside and there is enough opportunities offered to them there is no need for them to venture elsewhere. I realise that this may not be the case for all children with additional needs, we do have some parents that have to be more vigilant with their children who can just run at any given moment and not recognise the consequences.
These sessions can be so beneficial for all children who are struggling at school. I thought it would be useful for you as parents to hear what other parents have to say about the sessions, in case you wanted to come along too. We do pride ourselves on our inclusivity and thought it would be good to make it clear that all families who have children who are struggling at the moment, for whatever reason, are welcome. Your child doesn’t need to have been given a diagnosis or be in any sort of category at school. If you feel like your child would benefit from the support of Forest School and this group then come along.
The parents that come are fabulous people and accept that things don’t always go right but celebrate the small steps and they support each other. It is a time when they can relax and play a bit too. We always have fire lighting with flint and steels and usually toast a marshmallow. We were more adventurous with our cooking, however, with Covid-19 regulations needing to be in force we offer a marshmallow on a stick which is always a children’s favourite. The children are taught safe sitting around the fire but none of the teaching is structured. It is all in the moment as necessary, depending on what the children have chosen to do. After all, children spend a lot of time being asked to listen to adults so we try and reduce this to essential information that is personal to them.
Siobhan brings her tools without any prescribed activity so that children can choose what they would like to make. Yesterday we had stickman for some of our younger children but they could choose to make a whistle, medal, book, woodland animal to mention a few. We aren’t using hammocks at the moment due to Covid-19 but can put up a low rope for children to balance on if they want. We have small mud kitchens so children avoid sharing resources, as you can imagine, this is difficult but all children and adults wash their hands with soap and water before coming into camp. We have created a rope swing across the dyke area which is always very popular and Siobhan has recently set up a digging/ dinosaur and mini beast area which has also gone down well.
Essentially, there are lots of opportunities for children to play freely and without any pressure. The only expectation we have is for children to stay safe and we are on hand to help out with this. Siobhan is also thrive trained which supports children emotionally, making connections between their physical behaviour and what they may be feeling. She works as a learning mentor at Kirk Fenton school so is really well placed to support children emotionally.
Here is some things our parents have said to us about the sessions...
If you are interested in more information get in touch with me on 07904214006 or sally@grassrootsmuddyboots.com and we can have a chat. The sessions are held on a Sunday. The next one is Sunday 1st November 11-12pm but we finish when we finish really, it’s quite laid back. I hope this has given you an insight into what happens at the sessions. It would be lovely to see you there next time. Spread the word if you can, the sessions are currently sponsored and are currently £4 per person. Here is what Julie thought after she had come to the session....
Have a lovely weekend. Next week I am going to give you some information about why it is great to let your child take risks.
Sally x
