FOREST SCHOOL
At Big Scrub Forest School we believe in nurturing children and giving them the time and opportunity to lead their own play and learning experiences. We see our roles as long-term mentors as opposed to deliverers of a curriculum. We are guided by nature's seasons and rhythms and we plan each session based on the children's interests and needs.
Our days at Forest School are always filled with fun, mud, music, discoveries, stories, bush craft and best of all, amazing friendships! If this sounds like fun, join our little tribe of nature explorers!
A TYPICAL DAY AT BIG SCRUB FOREST SCHOOL
No two days are the same at Forest School! This is however what we see a 'typical day' to be, as it engages and supports the children in their emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive development.
The children arrive at our meeting point to gather as a community before we journey to our 'base camp'. We start the day with a yarning circle to welcome everyone, and acknowledge the Earth, the animals, the plants and the people who walked on this land before us.
Some of the activities on offer during the day might include:
-
creating with clay, tinkering and other arts based skills
-
whittling
-
knot making
-
learning to use tools safely (knives, hammers, drills..)
-
exploring our forest, searching for bush tucker
-
group games
-
cubby/shelter building
-
storytelling
-
cooking food
-
climbing trees
-
learning about local fauna and flora
-
building fairy houses and bug hotels
-
replanting native flora
and so much more...
Outdoors all day, we follow a gentle, relaxed rhythm which includes time for free play, exploring, singing, making up stories, playing games that open up our senses, creating and tinkering with our hands, and even making our own toys!
Want to know more? Read about What is Forest School or check our journal to read about our adventures in nature!
MORE INFO
Our Forest School is based in Tintenbar, NSW. This is where we spend most of our time, although we also regularly visit nature reserves within the Ballina and Byron Shires. This is both to minimise our ecological impact and to expose children to the rich biodiversity of the Northern Rivers NSW region.
Oh, did we mention that we are all-weather kind of folks? So yes, we will still head out even if it's cold and wet. Nature is no less magical, there is just a different kind of magic happening. And it’s worth giving a shot.
There’s a wonderful Norwegian saying – “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”, and we wholeheartedly agree!
Forest School will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather.
When - Wednesday and Friday during school term, 9:30am to 2:30pm.
Cost - $60 per session for the first child, $50 for siblings. Full term payable in advance.
Casual classes offered upon availability.
