In this energised and laughter-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive deep into the world of structured games in Forest School settings. They explore how games like 123 Where Are You?, Hunters and Rabbits, and Mr Crocodile offer more than entertainment—they build community, provide scaffolding for social interaction, and even offer a pathway into mindfulness and emotional regulation. With examples from toddler groups to adult team days, the hosts reflect on how games help anchor new children, spark imaginative adaptation, and provide comfort during challenging moments. They also unpick the tension between leader-initiated structure and child-led innovation, discuss developmental readiness for winning and losing, and explain how even simple games can help children test boundaries, develop confidence, and embed learning. Packed with insight, humour, and practical ideas, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how games can enrich Forest School sessions.

⏱ Chapter Timings:
00:00 – Welcome and mood check
01:09 – Defining structured games in Forest School
01:41 – 123 Where Are You?, tiger roars, and adaptations
02:40 – Hunting, tracking, and scavenger games
03:12 – How games support new children in established groups
04:30 – Games as emotional anchors and confidence builders
05:08 – Portability of games into home life and other settings
06:03 – The hidden benefits: mindfulness and presence
07:20 – Framing intentionality to parents during sessions
08:16 – Child-led adaptations and creative ownership
09:28 – Games as tools for social interaction
10:08 – The joy of rule-making in middle childhood
11:02 – What happens when nobody wants to play?
12:04 – Reading the group and adapting plans
13:25 – Parent perceptions and letting children observe
14:08 – Modelling play between co-leaders
15:14 – Games requiring multiple players vs solo modelling
15:30 – Games as social lifelines in complex moments
16:35 – Decision fatigue and structured play
17:00 – Competitive games, development, and regulation
17:56 – Understanding when children are ready to lose
18:32 – Reframing success and collaborative challenges
19:23 – Adults playing games: surprise, joy, and release
20:52 – Tag and chasing games: developmental layers
21:30 – Physical testing and repeated thrill
22:08 – Final reflections: expand the repertoire, don’t feel pressured
22:23 – Share your favourite games with us!

🌱 Keywords: Forest School games, outdoor play, child-led learning, structured games, play-based learning, mindfulness in play, competitive games, social development, early years education, hunting games, imaginative play, emotional regulation, group games, toddler engagement, Forest School strategies

🔖 Hashtags:
#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #ChildLedLearning #GamesInNature #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyYears #MindfulPlay #InclusivePlay #ForestSchoolActivities

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Have a brilliant game to share or a question to ask? Email us at [email protected]

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