The Forest School Podcast

When is it okay to step into a child's play? In this episode, we explore the delicate art of intervening in play cycles, discussing when to annihilate or contain play, how to navigate safety concerns, and ways to maintain emotional and physical balance. Join us for actionable insights, real-life scenarios, and strategies for reflective practice that will help you confidently manage play in your Forest School. Perfect for leaders, educators, and playworkers looking to refine their approach!

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The full transcript for this episode is available here.

Summary:
In this episode, we explore the purpose of Forest School as a space for children to engage in free play, build social connections, and experience the joy of childhood without the pressures of traditional, outcome-driven education. Discover why Forest School stands as a community resource, supports mental health, and challenges the idea of “resume-building” for children.

Episode Highlights:

Timestamps:

Resources Mentioned:

Key Quotes:

Join the Conversation:

How do you incorporate free play into your sessions? Join us on social media and share your thoughts!

Find us everywhere:
🎙️ Spotify
📺 YouTube
📻 Apple Podcasts
💻 RSS Feed

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow educators to help spread the message of free play and nature-based learning!

Summary

In this episode, Lewis explores the biases surrounding verbal and nonverbal communication within the context of forest school training. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing these biases to create a more inclusive environment for participants. The conversation delves into various aspects of communication, including play cues, emotional expressions, and the impact of verbal hierarchies. Lewis emphasizes the need for forest school leaders to value nonverbal communication and consider its role in fostering connections among participants.

Takeaways

The forest school training emphasizes intentional decision-making.

Verbal and nonverbal communication biases can impact participant interactions.

Non-judgmental approaches are essential in forest school settings.

Communication barriers can arise from emotional overwhelm or language differences.

Play cues often involve nonverbal communication that should be recognized.

Apologies can take many forms beyond verbal expressions.

Verbal hierarchies can create barriers in communication with children.

Nonverbal communication is a key aspect of forest school leadership.

Forest school leaders are uniquely positioned to value nonverbal cues.

Reflecting on communication practices can enhance inclusivity.

Chapters

00:00 Unpacking Intentional Communication

05:41 Exploring Language Bias in Communication

09:00 The Role of Nonverbal Cues

14:37 Play Cues and Communication Dynamics

17:26 Apologies and Emotional Expressions

20:19 Verbal Hierarchies and Participation

23:42 Nonverbal Communication in Nature

26:39 Reflecting on Practice and Inclusivity

42:13 Exploring Bias in Communication

42:44 Engagement with Participants

43:11 Community and Reflective Practices

43:22 podcast clips rooster.mp3

Summary:
In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, host Lewis Ames sits down with Laura Henry-Allain MBE, author, consultant, and creator of the beloved children’s show Jojo & Gran Gran. They explore the importance of representation in early years education, how to create inclusive learning environments, and why conversations about diversity should start early. Laura shares practical advice for parents and educators, emphasizing the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. Tune in to learn how YOU can make a difference in your classroom, Forest School, or home learning environment.

Key Takeaways:

Timestamps:

Guest Information:
Laura Henry-Allain MBE is a celebrated author and early years consultant known for her work in children's media and literature. She is the creator of the TV series Jojo & Gran Gran, which highlights the importance of familial bonds and cultural representation. Laura has written several books that explore themes of inclusion and diversity, such as My Skin, Your Skin. Connect with Laura on her website laurahanryelaine.com.

Links to Resources Mentioned:

Call to Action:
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to The Forest School Podcast and leave us a review! Share this episode with fellow educators and parents to help spread the message of inclusion in early years education. Follow the links to listen:

In this enlightening conversation, Lewis Ames is joined by Kirk Martin from the Calm Parenting Podcast to delve into the powerful tool of scripting in parenting—especially when dealing with strong-willed children. They explore how pre-planned scripts can offer parents practical phrases to navigate emotionally charged situations, while helping kids feel understood and secure. The episode emphasizes the importance of modeling language and behavior, maintaining consistency, and adjusting scripts as needed. Key takeaways include strategies for balancing authority and empathy, understanding emotional responses, and the role of curiosity and tone in effective communication.

If you're a parent, educator, or outdoor leader looking for actionable tips, this episode offers insight into how scripting can transform your approach in challenging moments.

For more insights, visit www.theforestschoolpodcast.com and join us on Patreon for exclusive content!

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Kirk and Calm Parenting
Lewis introduces Kirk Martin, the host of Calm Parenting Podcast, and highlights his approach to working with children through nonviolent communication and practical scripts.

04:34 – Understanding Strong-Willed Children
Kirk dives into the characteristics of strong-willed kids and why traditional parenting techniques often backfire with them.

07:33 – The Importance of Scripting in Parenting
Learn how using pre-planned scripts can help parents stay calm and provide consistency in tricky situations. Kirk shares examples of go-to phrases that make kids feel heard.

10:36 – Practical Applications of Scripting
Kirk and Lewis discuss how to adapt these scripts to various parenting or teaching scenarios, including outdoor learning environments.

13:32 – Modeling Language for Kids
They explore the importance of parents and educators modeling the kind of respectful, calm communication they expect from children.

16:40 – Consistency in Parenting Approaches
Kirk explains how sticking to scripts and being consistent with boundaries helps children feel safe and secure.

22:27 – Navigating Emotional Responses
What do you do when kids' emotions are running high? Kirk talks about using scripts to acknowledge kids’ feelings while guiding them through their emotions.

25:30 – Scripts for Effective Communication
Discover specific scripts that can diffuse tense moments and help children open up in more productive ways.

28:13 – Using Humor and Relatability in Scripts
Kirk emphasizes the importance of humor in scripts to make communication feel lighter and more relatable to children.

31:15 – Creating Space for Processing Ideas
The value of giving kids space after you use a script, allowing them time to think and calm down.

34:11 – The Dynamics of Parenting and Communication
They discuss the flow between authority and empathy in parenting and teaching, and how scripts can strike the perfect balance.

37:12 – Scripting Conversations: The Art of Flow Charts
Kirk shares how you can think of scripts like flow charts, with different responses depending on how the child reacts.

39:42 – When Scripts Fail: Embracing Authenticity
Kirk discusses the importance of flexibility—sometimes scripts don’t work, and that’s okay. Authentic responses have their place too.

43:43 – Physical Movement and Emotional Processing
"Motion changes emotion." Learn how getting kids physically active can help them work through emotional responses.

47:48 – Curiosity and Active Listening in Conflict Resolution
Kirk and Lewis explore how curiosity can be a game-changer in de-escalating conflicts. Ask questions like, "What’s frustrating you the most right now?"

52:24 – The Power of Honesty and Tone in Communication
How being honest and using the right tone in your scripts can foster deeper connections and better emotional regulation in kids.

56:39 – Understanding Emotional Responses and Validation
The episode wraps up with a focus on validating emotions and helping children feel understood, even when they're struggling to express themselves.

For more helpful advice and resources, be sure to visit www.theforestschoolpodcast.com, and support the show on Patreon for exclusive content and perks!

Links to Resources:

Don't forget to subscribe to the Forest School Podcast on your favorite platform for more tips, strategies, and insights into parenting, outdoor education, and alternative learning approaches!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we chat with Kendra McWilliam about making Forest School accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Kendra shares her insights on adapting sessions for diverse needs, running intergenerational projects, and securing funding for community-driven outdoor projects. You’ll learn actionable strategies to transform YOUR sessions into more inclusive and engaging spaces.

Main Points & Timestamps:

Guest Introduction:
Kendra McWilliam is an experienced Forest School practitioner who focuses on making nature-based education accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. She’s been running inclusive community projects for over a decade and is passionate about building spaces where everyone feels welcome and engaged.

Resources Mentioned:

Call to Action:
If YOU found this episode helpful, make sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to catch new episodes every week, and check out the full show notes on our website.

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.