The Forest School Podcast

Nov 18 2024 202 ep. 54 mins 1.5k
The Forest School Podcast artwork

Wem Southerden & Lewis Ames have run Forest School and training centre Children of the Forest since 2017. The Forest School Podcast was born when they wondered if their daily wafflechats and reflections about pedagogy, play and nature connection might be of interest to others. The podcast aims to inform and support educators, parents, outdoor and play practitioners and anyone interested in nature and the outdoors. Through book reviews – interviews with experts, practitioners and authors – sharing our experience as educators and business owners – deep dives on fascinating topics –

  Education
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Ep 199: How to Handle Unsafe Play in Your Sessions

Nov 18 2024 43 mins  
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 mana

Ep 198: Is YOUR Outdoor Provision just résumé building for children?

Nov 08 2024 40 mins  
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.

Ep 197: Is Verbal Language Bias Shaping Your Forest School?

Oct 31 2024 43 mins  
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

196: Why YOUR School Needs More Stories Like Jojo & Gran Gran with Laura Henry-Allain

Oct 24 2024 47 mins  
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 share

Ep 195: How Scripts Can Transform Your Toughest Parenting Moments With Kirk Martin

Oct 17 2024 62 mins  
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

Ep 194: How YOU Can Run Intergenerational Projects That Work with Kendra McWilliam

Oct 10 2024 60 mins  
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

Ep 193: 10 Hacks to learn bushcraft faster than I did!

Oct 05 2024 46 mins  
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 winte

Ep 192: Unconventional Essentials for Mud Kitchens

Sep 26 2024 62 mins  
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: [00:02] – Jangly energy and funny rain stories. [03:00] – Talking about animals in messy homes

Ep 191: What Neurodivergent Kids Gain from Nature with Dr Sam Friedman

Sep 20 2024 73 mins  
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

Ep 190: The Art of Saying No at Forest School

Sep 13 2024 44 mins  
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&