On a family camping trip, Olive meets Forest, a boy who has grown up in the wild. Olive's father agrees to let him move in, as long as Olive can teach him to behave properly before the family dinner with her fastidious Gam Gam. Olive only has one week to show him how to take a bath, eat off a plate, and sleep in a bed . . . but Forest doesn't even know the meaning of proper. He likes to hang out with the neighborhood birds and swing on chandeliers. It doesn't help that Olive's brother, Ryan, tries to convince Forest that football should be played inside! Forest's shenanigans and the black-and-white illustrations throughout will have both reluctant and avid readers laughing out loud.
This book describes the Forest Kindergarten early childhood education model and gives specific examples from the Cedarsong Nature School's program. The book is intended as a teacher's manual.
Structured around the 4 seasons, this guide to outdoor learning and activities is packed with kids games, crafts, and skills to encourage your young ones to get outdoors—come rain, shine, or snow. The Forest School ethos of nature-based play and learning encourages children to develop confidence, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence—and it’s exactly what’s needed in an era when childhood problems such as obesity and anxiety are on the rise. Building on the success of the bestselling Play the Forest School Way, here is a brilliant selection of brand-new games, crafts, and activities to get kids developing new skills and exploring the natural world all year round. Structured around the four seasons of the year, each chapter is full of step-by-step games and activities that harmonize with the weather and seasonal nature patterns, including nods to seasonal festivals such as Easter and Christmas. Activities include: Spring: Nettle Soup; Wood-cookie-Man; Earth Day Birthday Cake; Dandelion and Lime Tea Summer: Bark Masks; Blackberry Ink and Feather Quill Pens; Nature Watch; Animal Tag Autumn: Evergreen Paintbrush; Baked Apples; Den Building; Leaf Stitching Winter: Elf Carving; Compass Treasure Hunt; Charcoal Pencils; Animal Track Casts At Forest School, children return to the same location again and again, building a lasting connection with a specific part of the natural world. Each of the four seasonal chapters in A Year of Forest School includes a description of an extended session (combining active and quieter activities, plus an idea for foraging/cooking), capturing this key part of Forest School play and providing inspiration for parties, themed learning days, and outdoor adventures.
In the second book in this wildly funny chapter book series, a shy girl is force into the spotlight when a wild boy goes to school for the first time! At school, Olive expects her best friend Forest to be a “nobody,” just like her, but Forest isn’t one for standing on the sidelines—more like standing on the desks! His shenanigans transform boring school into a wild habitat filled with food fights and morning bird calls, and everyone loves it...everyone except for Olive. How did Forest make friends so fast? When they end up on stage in the school play, Olive is nervous about being in the spotlight, something Forest knows well—this time, it’s up to Forest to teach Olive! Don’t miss Olive’s and Forest’s first adventure Wild Child: Forest’s First Home! An Imprint Book Praise for Wild Child: Forest's First Home "The timeless premise...provides a new option for transitional chapter books. Hand this to future fans of Maryrose Wood’s The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series." —Booklist "Reminiscent of Amelia Bedelia...This first chapter book in a new series will find fans among beginning readers"— School Library Connection
This book is a complete guide to Forest School provision and Nature Pedagogy and it examines the models, methods, worldviews and values that underpin teaching in nature. Cree and Robb show how a robust Nature Pedagogy can support learning, behaviour, and physical and emotional wellbeing, and, importantly, a deeper relationship with the natural world. They offer an overview of what a Forest School programme could look like through the year. The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy provides ‘real-life’ examples from a variety of contexts, sample session plans and detailed guidance on using language, crafting and working with the natural world. This accessible resource guides readers along the Forest School path, covering topics such as: the history of nature education; our sensory system in nature; Forest School ethos and worldview and playing and crafting in the natural world. Guiding practitioners through planning for a programme, including taking care of a woodland site and preparing all the essential policies and procedures for working with groups and nature, this book is written by dedicated Forest School and nature education experts and is essential reading for settings, schools, youth groups, families and anyone working with children and young people.
Learn how to get your teacher ready for back to school…from the first dayl to graduation! The kids are in charge in this hilarious classroom adventure--from the creators of the New York Times bestseller How to Babysit a Grandpa. This humorous new book in the beloved HOW TO . . . series takes readers through a fun and busy school year. Written in tongue-in-cheek instructional style, a class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready—for the first day of school, and all the events and milestones that will follow (picture day, holiday concert, the 100th day of school, field day!). And along the way, children will see that getting their teacher ready is really getting themselves ready. Filled with charming role-reversal humor, this is a playful and heartwarming celebration of teachers and students. A fun read-a-loud to prepare for first day jitters, back-to-school readiness or end of year celebrations.. The fun doesn't stop! Check out more HOW TO... picture books: How to Babysit a Grandpa How to Babysit a Grandma How to Catch Santa How to Get Your Teacher Ready How to Raise a Mom How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa
Summary of the Story: In this beautiful story, Milo, a friendly and interested little mammoth, went to school for the first time. Milo's educational road was filled with joy, excitement, and a desire to learn, thanks to his mother Mabel's loving support and his teacher Mrs. Hoots's wise guidance. As Milo went through the ups and downs of school, he learned the joy of friendship and the power of community. He made friends with his classmates for life as they explored the forest, played games, and enjoyed the joys of learning. Milo learned about how nature works, the secrets of math, the beauty of art, and the power of a good story through their travels. Milo's desire to learn didn't stop in the classroom. He went into the forest to learn from the forest's living world. He became a good protector of the environment by developing a deep love for the natural world and working to protect it. His adventures and experiences taught him how important it is to care about, respect, and take care of other people and the world. Milo became a role model and teacher to younger mammoths over time because he liked to learn and cared about them. He told them to appreciate their differences, be curious about the world, and try to grow as people. Milo's impact went beyond the forest community. He worked to solve problems all over the world and inspired people to do good things in the world. Milo's story shows us how education can change people, how important friends are, and how important it is to follow our dreams and make a difference. It shows how exciting it is to find something new, how beautiful nature is, and how strong and capable each person is. As the story ends, Milo's memory lives on, inspiring future generations to follow their dreams, learn new things, and show kindness and understanding. Milo, the kind and curious mammoth, is a great reminder that learning is a lifelong adventure and that we can make the world a better, more linked place by loving to learn. How the story started: Milo, a young mammoth, used to live in a place with lots of green plants and tall mountains. Milo was a friendly and curious little giant who loved life more than anyone else. Since he could walk, he couldn't stop wanting to find out more about the world around him. He would walk through the woods, sniffing the air with his little tail. He was excited to find new places and meet new people. His never-ending curiosity had no limits, so he often went to the farthest parts of the land, where he found secret treasures and met animals of all shapes and sizes. Milo loved every chance to learn about and enjoy the beauty of nature, whether it was climbing tall trees or swimming in rivers with clear water. Milo's sixth birthday was coming up, and he was very excited to start school. He was excited about going to school because he knew it would give him access to a whole new world of information and adventures. He couldn't wait to meet other young animals and tell them what he had found. On the morning of his sixth birthday, Milo woke up with a spring in his step. He knew that today was the first day of his learning adventure. He ran over to his parents, swinging his trunk from side to side with joy. Milo yelled to his parents, "Mama and Daddy, today is my first day of school! I can't wait to learn new things and make new friends!" Milo’s parents, Mabel, and Oliver were proud of and loved their son. They had watched him grow into a smart and curious young mammoth, so they knew he was ready for this next step in his life. Mabel got down on her knees and gave Milo a soft kiss. "Oh, my brave little one, we are so proud of you!" she cried. Oliver said in a friendly, deep voice, "You've always been hungry for knowledge, and school will give you even more chances to learn and grow." "Milo, you have a special talent. It's great that you can make friends and find beauty in everything. Keep that talent close to your heart and let it shine at your new school." Milo nodded and listened to what they said. He felt surer of himself when he knew his parents loved and supported him. Milo ran to school with a quick breakfast and a bag full of school supplies. He was excited and eager. As Milo walked through the woods, he couldn't help but notice the sights and sounds around him. The bright colors of the flowers, the soft rustling of the leaves in the wind, and the sweet songs of the birds all seemed to celebrate his great day. Squirrels climbing trees and bunnies hopping through fields seemed to know he was happy and waved to him. Their smiles and words of encouragement sparked his drive, and he ran faster. He finally got to the school, which was a beautiful building among the trees. Its wooden building looked warm and inviting, and the sounds of laughter and activity coming from inside made his heart skip a beat. Milo took a big breath, opened the door, and walked in, excited to start his first day of school. Milo, a small mammoth who was friendly and interested, was about to go on a new journey. He wanted to make a difference in the world of education with his love of travel, natural generosity, and never-ending desire to learn. He didn't know that his first day of school would be the start of a great journey full of learning, friendship, and lots of new things. As Milo's first day of school got closer, his mother, Mabel, was both excited and nervous. As she watched her child grow and get better, she saw how curious he was and how much he loved. Mabel knew that school would give Milo a lot of new opportunities, but she couldn't help being worried. As she held Milo tightly, her big tusks lightly touched his fur. "My dear Milo," she smiled, "today is a very special day for you. It's your first day of school, and I'm so proud of you." Milo looked up at his mother with big, innocent eyes that were full of joy. "I can't wait, Mama," he told her. "I want to learn, explore, and make new friends!" The little girl's words filled Mabel's heart with love. Milo would benefit from being excited, but she couldn't get her mind off of her worries. Milo is a young mammoth, but even for him, the world can be a big and strange place. She said it softly as she moved a few strands of hair out of his face. "Milo, my dear, remember to be brave and kind. School is a place where you'll meet new friends and learn new things. But if you ever feel unsure or scared, know that Mama and Papa are always here for you." Milo nodded, his trunk wiggling with determination. "I'll remember, Mama. I'll be brave and make you proud." Mabel's worry went away when she saw how sure and eager Milo was. She thought he was strong and kind enough to get through anything that came his way. She whispered to him, "I believe in you, my little explorer," and she kissed his face. "Take on this new adventure, and may it bring you joy for the rest of your life." On Milo's first day of school, Mabel got up early to make sure everything was ready for her son. She made him a healthy breakfast, packed his favorite lunchbox in the shape of an acorn, and put new papers and pencils in his new backpack. As they walked hand in hand toward school, Mabel couldn't help but feel sad. Milo had just taken his first wobbly steps, and now he was getting close to this important milestone. As Mabel walked into the playground, she looked around to see what was going on. She saw other young animals, each of which was having its own "first day" experience. Squirrels with tiny backpacks ran by, rabbits hopped around happily, and young foxes chatted. There was a lot of nervousness and excitement in the air. Milo's trunk was firmly squeezed by Mabel. "Look, Milo," she pointed to the other animals and spoke. "You're not alone. There are lots of new friends waiting to meet you. Just be yourself, and it won't take long for you to make friends." Milo's eyes grew wide as he saw all the friendly faces. He took a deep breath, and then his worries started to go away. He tightened his grip on his mother's back, drawing power from her support. "Mama, thank you for believing in me," Milo said softly. Mabel smiled brightly, and her love for Milo could be seen in every part of her body. "You're my precious one, Milo. Your first day of school is just the beginning of an amazing journey. Embrace it with an open heart and remember that your Papa and I are always here for you." Mabel wrapped her arms around Milo as he walked confidently into the schoolyard, his small frame surrounded by a world of possibilities. Mabel couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as she felt a mix of excitement and worry. Milo was getting older and more capable of taking care of himself every day, she realized. Mabel felt happy and sad as she watched her daughter take her first steps into the bigger world. Milo's first day of school kept coming back to Mabel's mind all day. She pictured him in a classroom with people he didn't know, and she wondered how he was doing. The hours seemed to go on forever, and every minute brought a mix of joy and fear. When school was finally over, Mabel hurried to the playground to pick up Milo. As she got closer, she saw a group of young animals laughing and playing. Milo stood out from the rest because his eyes were shining with happiness. Mabel's heart jumped with relief and joy when she saw Milo get along with his new friends. Every time he talked to someone, his interest and friendliness stood out. It was as if he had changed. Milo had clearly gotten used to his new place and found his place in the busy world of school. Milo ran over as soon as he knew his mother was coming, waving his trunk with joy. He said, "Mama, Mama!" with a big smile on his face. Mabel said, "You won't believe all the amazing things we did today!" Her fears were going away like morning fog. "Tell me everything, my love; I can't wait to hear all about your adventures." As they walked home, Milo was very excited as he told stories about his first day. Mrs. Hoots, the smart owl who taught kids interesting things, was talked about. He talked about what they did during the break, the friends he'd made, and how exciting it was to find something new with his classmates. Mabel listened carefully. She was very proud of her young adventurer. She couldn't believe how well Milo had not only adjusted to his new home, but also done well in it. Her worries were unfounded, and her faith in Milo's toughness paid off.
The outdoor environment is now an integral part of many early years settings and schools, but is it being used to its full potential? Providing extensive, challenging and ever-changing outdoor play experiences is an essential and valuable aspect of early years education. This book offers comprehensive guidance on how the outdoor environment can be used to teach and challenge all children across a range of settings drawing on forest school practice. Following a month-by-month format, each chapter provides a selection of theme-related play experiences alongside planning and evaluations of how the ideas described were carried out, and reveals the impact that they had on the children. Including detailed information on the role of the adult, the environment, planning and using children’s interests to guide their learning and development, the book features: over 100 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice diary entries that reflect how the planning was delivered, what changes were made and how aspects of learning were recorded and assessed examples of practice as well as comprehensive resource lists and safety guidelines links to indoor play and opportunities at home. Written by a leading authority on forest school practice and full of practical ideas that can be adapted to suit individual children’s needs, this book aims to inspire practitioners to make the most of the outdoor environment throughout the year.
Woodland games, crafts, and other outdoor adventures from the Forest School—for parents and their children The rise of the grassroots Forest School movement in recent years is part of a groundswell of concern about the wellbeing of our children, with many media scare stories about child obesity, "nature deficit disorder" (as described in Last Child in the Woods), and lack of exposure to risk. This outdoor adventure manual is the antidote! Packed full of ideas, from making nature jewelry and whittling a bow and arrow, to building a shelter and foraging for food, it also celebrates the Forest School philosophy of encouraging self-esteem, confidence, and social skills through engagement with nature. The activities contain variations for varied age groups, small groups like play dates or birthday parties, as well as things to do with just one or two children. Parents are encouraged to guide the play but the activity instructions are written in a simple style with fun illustrations so that kids can take the lead as well.
