Explore the fascinating world of minibeasts with our engaging Bugs Forest School Session Plan — a nature-based outdoor learning resource designed to inspire curiosity, exploration and hands-on discovery in early years and primary settings.
Perfect for forest schools, nurseries, preschools, outdoor classrooms and home educators, this bug-themed session plan provides exciting opportunities for children to investigate insects and minibeasts through sensory play, bug hunts, nature crafts, movement games and child-led exploration. Learn more and get ideas in our Forest School Hub
Children can search for worms beneath logs, observe ladybirds in the grass, create bug habitats and explore the natural environment while developing confidence, communication and a deeper connection with nature.
Designed to support the EYFS and outdoor learning approaches, this forest school session encourages physical development, teamwork, problem-solving and understanding of the natural world through meaningful outdoor experiences.
Whether you are planning a spring topic, a minibeast theme, or a weekly forest school programme, this session plan provides everything you need for engaging outdoor bug learning.
Helpful Guide: Delivering a Bug-Themed Forest School Session
Why Explore Bugs in Forest School?
Minibeasts naturally capture children’s attention and encourage curiosity, investigation and discussion. Forest school bug activities provide rich opportunities for children to explore nature through sensory experiences, movement and hands-on learning.
Bug-themed forest school sessions help children to:
- Build confidence outdoors
- Develop observation and investigation skills
- Encourage communication and teamwork
- Support physical development through exploration
- Foster respect for nature and living things
- Promote emotional wellbeing through outdoor learning
Ideas for a Bug Forest School Session
Bug Hunt Exploration
Search for worms, beetles, ants, snails and spiders beneath logs, leaves and stones using magnifying glasses and bug viewers.
Build a Bug Hotel
Use sticks, bark, leaves, pinecones and hollow tubes to create simple bug habitats together.
Minibeast Movement Games
Encourage children to wriggle like worms, crawl like caterpillars or flutter like butterflies during outdoor movement play.
Muddy Bug Small World Play
Create bug-themed sensory trays using mud, grass, stones and toy insects for imaginative exploration.
Nature Bug Art
Use leaves, petals, twigs and natural loose parts to create bug pictures and transient art outdoors.
Storytelling and Songs
Incorporate bug-themed stories, rhymes and songs to support communication and language development.
Quiet Observation Time
Encourage calm moments where children observe insects closely and talk about what they notice.
Looking for Forest School Ideas for KS1? Try our Superheroes Forest School Ideas Pack for KS1
Benefits of Bug Forest School Activities
These activities help children to:
- Develop curiosity about nature
- Build confidence and independence outdoors
- Strengthen gross and fine motor skills
- Improve communication and vocabulary
- Support teamwork and problem-solving
- Encourage sensory exploration
- Promote emotional wellbeing and mindfulness
EYFS Links
This Bugs Forest School Session Plan supports key EYFS learning areas including:
- Understanding the World
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Expressive Arts and Design
Activities encourage child-led exploration, risk-taking, sensory learning and outdoor discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this forest school session suitable for?
This session plan is ideal for children aged 2–7 years and can be adapted for different developmental stages.
Can this session be used in nurseries and schools?
Yes. The activities are suitable for nurseries, preschools, Reception classes, KS1 and forest school programmes.
Do I need specialist forest school equipment?
No. Most activities use natural materials and simple outdoor resources commonly available in forest school settings. No – all you need is in our Forest School Exploration Lessons.
Are bug hunts safe for children?
Yes. Activities should always be supervised closely with clear boundaries for safe and respectful handling of living creatures.
How do bug activities support learning?
Bug exploration encourages investigation, communication, movement, teamwork and early science understanding through hands-on experiences.
Are these activities linked to the EYFS?
Yes. The session plan supports multiple EYFS learning areas through outdoor play and nature-based exploration.
Can I use this session plan throughout the year?
Absolutely. Bug-themed activities work particularly well in spring and summer but can be adapted for all seasons.
Why is forest school important in the early years?
Forest school helps children build confidence, resilience, independence and emotional well-being while learning through meaningful outdoor experiences.
