The Forest School Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Forest School Podcast, Lewis discusses various aspects of outdoor education, focusing on cooking, bushcraft skills, and the importance of continuous learning. He shares insights from his books, 'Forest School Cooking' and 'The Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning', and offers practical tips for engaging children in outdoor play, especially during winter. The conversation emphasizes the value of peer learning, practical skills, and the importance of reflection in personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Bushcraft Skills

08:10 Engaging Kids in Outdoor Play During Winter

08:37 Reflecting on Learning from Experience

15:14 Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning

17:11 Fire Lighting Techniques and Best Practices

23:29 Mastering Knots and Practical Applications

26:53 Identifying Flora and Fauna

30:13 Knife Skills and Practical Projects

31:34 The Importance of Practical Projects

35:37 Building Skills Through Repetition

40:58 The Value of Peer Learning

44:46 Reflecting on Progress and Skills

45:43 podcast clips - fart end.mp3

45:52 Patreon 5.mp3

Have you ever wondered what small changes could make a huge impact in your mud kitchen setup? In this episode, Lewis and Wem dive into their quirky, practical, and unconventional tips for transforming your mud kitchen into a space of creativity, independence, and fun!

Timestamps:

Referenced Works:

Do traditional school structures harm neurodivergent students?

Can nature-based learning be the solution?

In this episode, we dive deep into how Forest Schools can create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent learners. Our guest shares groundbreaking research on the benefits of nature for autistic students, challenges the romanticization of outdoor spaces, and discusses how autonomy, trust, and competence play key roles in educational success. How can you ensure you're not unintentionally causing harm? Are your Forest School practices as inclusive as they could be? Tune in to discover practical strategies for creating a truly inclusive, nature-based educational setting.

Chapter Titles & Timing:

Intro and Guest Background (00:00 - 05:30)

Visit theforestschoolpodcast.com for more insights.

Autism, Nature, and Forest Schools (05:31 - 15:45)

What’s the intersection of nature and neurodivergence?

The Challenges of Outdoor Learning (15:46 - 25:00)

How do we avoid romanticizing nature and ignoring reality?

Autonomy and Trust in Outdoor Education (25:01 - 35:20)

Can children truly experience autonomy outdoors?

Ensuring Inclusivity in Forest Schools (35:21 - 45:10)

Why inclusivity goes beyond just being outdoors.

The Future of Forest Schools and Research (45:11 - 55:40)

Referenced Works:

Practitioner perspectives on nature-based learning for autistic children

Samantha Friedman

ORCID Icon, Scott A. Morrison

ORCID Icon & Allison Shibata

Published online: 19 Sep 2024

(https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00958964.2024.2401785)

Michael James, “Forest School Handbook” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Autism-Practical-Guide/dp/1785922912)

Sinead O’Brien, Autism and Nature Research (Link to relevant studies)

Are we doing our children a disservice by always saying "yes"? In this thought-provoking episode of The Forest School Podcast, hosts Lewis and Wem dive deep into the complexities of creating a balanced learning environment in outdoor education.

They explore the concept of a "yes environment" and its potential pitfalls, drawing inspiration from Suzanne Axelson's work. But what does this mean for your forest school practice? How can you strike the right balance between freedom and structure?

The hosts discuss the importance of modeling appropriate responses to frustration and disappointment. Are you equipping your learners with the tools to handle life's inevitable "no's"?

Lewis and Wem also touch on the fascinating differences in how boys and girls are taught to express disagreement. How might this impact your approach to teaching emotional regulation in the outdoors?

This episode offers valuable insights for both new and experienced forest school practitioners. How will you apply these ideas to create a more nuanced and effective learning environment?

Remember to visit theforestschoolpodcast.com for more resources and to join the conversation!

Chapter Titles & Timing:

0:00 - Introduction: The 'Yes' Environment Dilemma

For more in-depth discussions on forest school practices, head over to theforestschoolpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode valuable!

Looking to dive deeper into these concepts? Visit theforestschoolpodcast.com for exclusive content and resources to enhance your forest school practice.

Support the podcast, get in touch and find more episodes at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com

Summary

In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis Ames explores the fascinating world of owls. He shares interesting facts about owl sizes, adaptability, legs, silent flight, vision, hearing, vocalizations, intelligence, family dynamics, hunting behaviors, diets, and conservation challenges. Owls play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. Conservation efforts, education, and ambassador owls are helping to protect and raise awareness about these incredible birds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:41 The Astonishing Diversity of Owls

03:03 The Secrets of Owl Legs and Silent Flight

04:56 The Marvels of Owl Vision and Hearing

06:22 The Fascinating World of Owl Vocalizations

09:08 The Intelligence and Family Dynamics of Owls

11:30 The Intriguing Hunting Behaviors of Owls

15:15 The Challenges Facing Owls in the Modern World

18:10 The Importance of Owl Conservation and Education

What if the great outdoors was your ultimate fitness playground?

Chapter Titles & Timing:

00:00 - Introduction to Wild Strong

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to visit theforestschoolpodcast.com for more resources on outdoor education and natural movement. Whether you're an educator looking to incorporate more outdoor activities or a parent seeking ways to get your family moving in nature, this episode offers valuable insights and practical ideas.

Don't forget to check out theforestschoolpodcast.com for show notes, links to resources mentioned, and to leave your feedback on this episode. Your input helps shape future content!

For more information on Wild Strong and their approach to outdoor fitness, visit their website at wildstrong.co. Remember to visit theforestschoolpodcast.com to join the conversation and share your own experiences with natural movement and outdoor learning.

Join hosts Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden as they explore the fascinating world of "muddy memories" in outdoor education. Discover how these not-quite-accurate recollections might play a crucial role in fostering deep connections with nature. Learn practical strategies for educators and parents to navigate and nurture these magical moments.

For more thought-provoking discussions on outdoor education, visit theforestschoolpodcast.com.

Chapter Titles & Timing:

00:00 - Introduction: The Power of Muddy Memories

Dive deeper into forest school philosophy and practice at theforestschoolpodcast.com.

41:00 - Practical Tips for Educators and Parents

For more resources and to join the conversation, head to www.theforestschoolpodcast.com.

Remember to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow outdoor enthusiasts!

How can we foster a truly non-judgmental environment in Forest School without compromising on safety and boundaries?

Description:

Visit theforestschoolpodcast.com for more insights on Forest School practices!

Chapter Titles & Timing:

0:00 - Introduction: The Challenge of Non-Judgment

For more episodes on creating inclusive Forest School environments, head to theforestschoolpodcast.com.

39:02 - Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Don't forget to check out theforestschoolpodcast.com for additional resources and to join our community of Forest School enthusiasts!

Join Lewis and Wem as they explore the challenges and strategies of facilitating adult relationships in forest school settings. From icebreaker questions to creating non-judgmental spaces, this episode dives into the complexities of fostering community among grown-ups in nature-based education.

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