Core Skills Analysis
Science
Jackson explored Ashdown Forest and discovered that bats make their homes among the trees, learning that bats are nocturnal mammals that rely on insects for food. He observed the stream and discussed why water flows through the forest, gaining an understanding of the water cycle and how streams support plant and animal life. By collecting sticks to race in the water, Jackson saw how objects move in a current, introducing basic concepts of buoyancy and flow.
Geography
Jackson identified the location of the stream within the forest and explained that streams form in low‑lying areas where water collects and moves downhill. He recognized the relationship between the forest canopy, the soil, and the waterway, noting how the landscape shapes habitats for wildlife like bats. This hands‑on experience helped him develop spatial awareness and basic map‑reading skills as he navigated the woodland.
English
Jackson was introduced to the author A. A. Milne, hearing a short excerpt that linked the forest setting to classic children’s literature. He then created a storyboard of his day, arranging pictures in a logical sequence that reflected beginning, middle, and end. Through this activity, Jackson practiced narrative planning, descriptive language, and the ability to convey a story visually and verbally.
Art
Jackson drew a storyboard of his forest adventure, using pencils and colour to depict the sticks racing down the stream, the bats overhead, and the surrounding trees. He experimented with perspective to show depth and motion, choosing symbols to represent key moments of his day. This artistic work reinforced his observation skills and encouraged creative expression of real‑world experiences.
Tips
To deepen Jackson's learning, try a twilight bat‑watch where the class listens for bat calls and records observations, reinforcing habitat knowledge. Set up a simple water‑flow experiment using a shallow tray, sand, and sticks to model how streams shape the land and test which objects sink or float. Encourage Jackson to write a short diary entry from a bat's point of view, integrating factual details with imaginative writing. Finally, map the area of Ashdown Forest explored, marking the stream, stick‑race course, and bat roost sites to connect geography with storytelling.
Book Recommendations
- Winnie‑the‑Pooh by A. A. Milne: Classic tales of a bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, sparking imagination about forest adventures.
- Stellaluna by Janell Cannon: A gentle story about a baby bat learning to fly, perfect for connecting to bat habitats and nocturnal life.
- A River Ran Wild by Peter Liversidge: An illustrated journey following a river from its source to the sea, illustrating water flow and landscape change.
Learning Standards
- Science: NC Key Stage 2 – Working scientifically (2.1) and Living things and habitats (2.5)
- Geography: NC Key Stage 2 – Physical geography – rivers and streams (2.2)
- English: NC Key Stage 2 – Reading comprehension (2.4) and Writing: planning, composing and evaluating (2.3)
- Art & Design: NC Key Stage 2 – Exploring ideas and inspiration (2.1) and using a range of media (2.2)
Try This Next
- Create a simple data table recording how far each stick traveled down the stream, then graph the results.
- Write a short narrative from the perspective of a bat living in Ashdown Forest, incorporating factual details about diet and habitat.