Rachel interviews Ellie and Chris from Little Sprouts Forest School. Chris and Ellie discuss the origins and purpose of Little Sprouts, as well as the concept of forest schools and the activities they offer to children. They also discuss the benefits of forest school, role of parents in encouraging outdoor play, and suggest nature crafts and activities for families to do at home or in local parks.
Little Sprouts Forest School
Website: https://littlesproutsforestschool.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesproutsforestschool/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleSproutsForestSchool/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleSproutsFS
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
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Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
The Origins of Little Sprouts Forest School [00:01:01]
Chris explains how Little Sprouts Forest School started in 2017 and the motivation behind it.
What is Forest Schools? [00:01:49]
Chris and Ellie discuss the concept of forest schools, its origins, and its approach to education.
Activities at Little Sprouts Forest School [00:07:26]
Chris and Ellie talk about the different activities offered at Little Sprouts, including stay and play sessions and holiday clubs.
The joy of forest school activities [00:10:34]
Speakers discuss how they now love the primal and meditative aspects of forest school activities.
The benefits of forest school for children [00:11:28]
The speakers highlight the confidence, risk assessment skills, and nature connection that children gain from participating in forest school.
The impact of technology on outdoor play [00:16:58]
The speakers discuss the pull of technology and screens on children and the importance of encouraging outdoor play and utilizing available outdoor spaces.
The impact of forest school on children [00:21:02]
Discussion on the positive effects of forest school on children's well-being, learning, confidence, and relationships.
Activities and nature crafts for families [00:22:13]
Suggestions for outdoor activities and nature crafts that families can do at home or in local parks.
Benefits of being outdoors and creative play [00:23:11]
Exploration of the benefits of being outdoors, the importance of open-ended creative play, and the use of natural materials like sticks for imaginative play.
The origins and locations of Little Sprouts Forest School [00:31:48]
Little Sprouts Forest School is based in Swinfen near Lichfield in Staffordshire, with plans to expand to different locations in the Midlands.
Closing remarks and gratitude [00:32:59]
Rachel thanks the guests for being on the podcast and encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. She also promotes the Nature Curious subscription box.
Appreciation for Rachel and excitement for the future [00:32:49]
Chris expresses gratitude for Rachel and her work and mentions keeping an eye on her future endeavours.
