5 Forest School Games: Learning Through Play
Forest School is a unique educational approach that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment. One of the critical aspects of 5 Forest School is the use of games, which are fun and packed with learning opportunities. Here are some of the most popular Forest School games:
1. Floor is Lava
This game is perfect for a group of children who have more energy than they know what to do with but don’t yet feel ready to join in with team games. The floor becomes lava, and they need to be off the ground—whether that’s up a tree, standing on a bench, perching precariously on a stump, or balancing on a rock.
2. 123, Where Are You
This is a perfect game for sessions with younger attendees. It’s a version of Hide & Seek that is slightly more team-based and always receives a warm welcome. One person is ‘it’, and the rest of the group hides. The person who is ‘it’ closes their eyes and counts to 10, then shouts, “123, where are you?” everyone else responds, “Over here!” The person who is ‘it’ has to find the others by following their voices.
3. Crocodile Crocodile
This is an excellent introduction to team games. Find a clear strip of land and position all those playing at one end except the nominated ‘crocodile’ who stands in the middle. The aim is for the players to get from one side to the other without being caught by the crocodile.
4. Hide and Seek
The old ones are sometimes the best! Where is it better to hide and seek than in a shady woodland or forest site where low branches, dens and tree canopies are plentiful?
5. Target Practice
Target practice is one of the most fun and engaging forest school activities. Please set a target on a tree and have the children try to hit it with pine cones or other safe objects.
