Building dens and shelters from pallets, tyres and sheets outside during a forest school session

Art

• The child learned about spatial relationships and proportions while building the shelters, considering the balance and layout of the materials.
• They practiced creativity and design skills by using unconventional materials to create a functional and visually appealing structure.
• The activity encouraged an appreciation of natural surroundings and the use of natural elements in art and design.
• They learned about environmental art and the importance of sustainability in their creations.

English Language Arts

• Through collaboration with peers, the child practiced communication and language skills, negotiating and discussing various ideas and solutions.
• The activity fostered imaginative storytelling, allowing children to create narratives about the shelters they built and the adventures they might have inside them.
• They may have practiced descriptive writing by describing the features and functions of their shelters or documenting the process of building them.
• The experience of being outdoors can inspire nature-themed poetry or descriptive language related to the forest environment.

Math

• The child used measurement and estimation skills to ensure the shelters were the appropriate size and height for use.
• They practiced geometry and spatial reasoning when planning and building the structures using pallets, tyres, and sheets.
• The activity encouraged problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they adjusted and modified their designs based on available materials and space constraints.
• They may have explored concepts of weight and balance when selecting materials and positioning them for stability.

Physical Education

• The construction of shelters involved physical activity and gross motor skills as the children lifted, carried, and assembled the materials.
• They may have practiced teamwork and cooperation, as well as leadership skills, while working together to build the shelters.
• The outdoor setting allowed for exploration and interaction with nature, fostering an appreciation for outdoor play and physical activity in natural environments.
• The shelters may have served as a backdrop for imaginative play, encouraging physical movement and creative expression during forest school sessions.

For continued development, consider incorporating discussions about different types of shelters found in various cultures and time periods, encouraging the children to explore and build different styles of shelters using the same materials. Additionally, you could introduce basic principles of structural engineering and architecture as they continue to build and refine their outdoor shelters.

Book Recommendations

• Outdoor School: Shelters, the Forest, and the Field by Emily Blanche: This book provides inspiration and guidance for building outdoor shelters with natural and recycled materials, aligning with the forest school theme.
• The Great Outdoors: 120 Recipes for Adventure by Markus Samuelsson: This cookbook includes outdoor cooking and picnic recipes, connecting to the idea of outdoor activities and shelters for meals during forest school sessions.
• Adventures in Kindness: 52 Awesome Activities to Help You Change the World by Erin Leyba: This book offers a variety of outdoor activities and projects, including shelter-building, with a focus on kindness and community involvement.