Canonbie Primary School pupils have been down to the woods and were amazed by what they found.
The children have completed a six-week block of Forest School sessions with Wild Eskdale, a Langholm Initiative project.
The 90-minute sessions of child-led play centred on the natural world and pupils discovered what lived in their school grounds, finding ladybirds and frogspawn.
They also watched seasonal changes each week, noticing trees becoming greener and flowers blooming.
In one session they transformed their school field into a farm, using ropes and logs to create sheep pens and horse jumps.
Each lesson began with a running game and ended with a short reflection on what the group did.
Self-assessment
Carys Mainprize, Wild Eskdale project assistant, said reflection was an important part of Forest School because it encouraged self-assessment and allowed pupils to ‘check in’ with themselves.
She said: “Forest School is becoming increasingly popular as schools realise the value of letting children play.
“We don’t follow a curriculum but I see all sorts of problem-solving and soft learning during these sessions.
Curiosity
“We underestimate the importance of kids running about and letting their natural curiosity lead. They often ask inspired questions which make me stop and think, ‘why have I never thought of that?’”
The sessions are continuing with a second group.
The Forest School sessions are funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arthur Bell Trust, Robertson Trust, and Holywood Trust.
Naturally brilliant: Wild Eskdale takes Canonbie pupils on a journey of discovery
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