We were very lucky to have a beautiful morning for our second Forest Schools session, allowing the children to enjoy learning outdoors in the fresh air.
Activity 1 – Making Elder Bubble Blowers
During the first activity, the children used a hacksaw to cut lengths of elder tree branches. With guidance and close supervision, they then whittled the ends and hollowed out the soft centre of the elder wood to create their own natural bubble blowers.
Once their tools were safely put away, the children dipped their elder sticks into a bubble solution made from fairy liquid and vegetable oil and used them to blow bubbles.
Benefits of this activity:
- Develops fine motor skills through sawing and whittling the wood.
- Builds confidence and independence as children learn to use real tools safely.
- Encourages risk awareness and responsibility under supervision.
- Promotes problem solving and perseverance while shaping the elder sticks.
- Helps children learn about natural materials and trees, particularly elder wood and its soft centre.
- Encourages scientific curiosity, observing how bubbles form and float.
- Supports wellbeing and enjoyment outdoors, with simple creative play.
Activity 2 – Den Building
For the second activity, the children worked in teams to build a den. Each group was given four tarpaulins, six bamboo poles and clothes pegs and were challenged to create a shelter together.
Benefits of this activity:
- Promotes teamwork and communication as children plan and share ideas.
- Develops problem-solving and critical thinking while constructing their dens.
- Encourages gross motor development through lifting, positioning and securing materials.
- Builds resilience and perseverance when structures need adjusting.
- Supports creativity and imagination as children design their own spaces.
- Strengthens connection with the outdoor environment and child-led exploration.
- Overall, the session supported the development of practical skills, teamwork, creativity and confidence, while allowing the children to learn through hands-on experiences in nature.
