Welcome to the Spring Module

This clip comes from the Spring Module in our Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning:
theoutdoorteac...
Officially Spring in the Northern Hemisphere begins at Spring Equinox, March 21st. In the older calendars, the first stirrings of Spring happen much earlier, usually at the beginning of February.
Take time to notice the changes and get to know some of the plants as they emerge. Just learn one thing at a time and make the experience as playful as possible. For example, giving a group or individual a unique name of a flower or animal can really build them build a connection to this season. Offer a basket of names for each child to choose (words or pictures) and let them keep it to help them learn more about this one species.
You could play a simple game like, ‘you are only safe if’ where the practitioner calls out, ' you are only safe if you are touching a baby plant' and off they run, whilst you attempt to catch them! Those caught become part of the 'catching team'. This will extend your local plant knowledge in no time at all!
However, before you start watching our videos you will need a 'Practice Notebook'.
This will be for you to take notes and reflect as well as put down some of your creative thoughts as you go along. This will help you convert the knowledge into understanding. We invite you to become a reflexive practitioner, considering the needs and learning styles of your groups.
Our intention is to give you visual information that will enable you to take your practice out of doors. We want you to quickly take the lesson and put it into practice, in your own unique way - this is the only way to gain confidence. This course is interactive. You need to imagine that you are at a live training session and taking notes of key information so that when you deliver it yourself, you have something to go back to that makes sense to you!
In the Spring module we have provided some comprehensive lesson plan ideas that link to the areas of the curriculum including common topics, seasonal and other inspirational ideas. The Summer modules will focus on Forest School session plans.
There is no quick way to create new neural pathways other than practice, practice and more practice. Be kind to yourself! At the end of every lesson, take a minute to think creatively - how can you link the learning to your setting or 'client' (child, young person or adult) or curriculum outcome? Where and how can I practice this for myself? Do I need some equipment to get going? Do I have a friend I can give it a go with first?
Enjoy your learning journey.