The Forest School Podcast

This episode explores the realities of forest school leadership, challenging idealized expectations with authentic experiences. Hosts Wem and Lewis share insights on community building, industry myths, and the importance of authenticity in outdoor education.

keywords

forest school, outdoor education, community building, training realities, outdoor leadership, nature-based learning

key topics

Myths vs. reality of forest school training
Community building and relationship management
Flexibility and adaptability in outdoor education

Chapters

00:00 The Long-Tailed Tit's Nest Discovery
05:28 Springtime Adventures and Nature's Bounty
06:34 The Reality of Forest School Training
11:45 Expectations vs. Reality in Outdoor Education
19:48 The Challenges of Flexibility in Outdoor Settings
25:57 Nature Bypassing and the Business of Outdoor Education
31:58 Navigating the Business Side of Forest School
34:24 Navigating Code Switching in Education
37:25 The Journey of Continuous Learning
40:35 Community Holding Beyond the Classroom
45:23 Creating a Homely Outdoor Environment
50:24 The Punk Spirit of Forest School
57:18 The Future of Community-Funded Education
59:22 Pod Fart.mp4

resources

Forest School Association - https://forestschoolassociation.org/
Nests by Susan Ogilvie - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nests-Susan-Ogilvie/dp/XXXXXX
Ofsted - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

This episode explores the fascinating world of loose parts in outdoor play, focusing on natural resources like trees, seeds, and bark. Discover criteria for selecting the best loose parts, the importance of seasonality, and creative ideas for outdoor activities.

loose parts, outdoor play, natural resources, forest school, foraging, play ideas, nature-based learning

key topics
Criteria for selecting loose parts
Seasonality and availability of resources
Creative uses of natural materials in play
Guide to Loose Parts in Outdoor Play
How to Choose the Best Natural Loose Parts for Play

Chapters

00:00 Echidna's Unique Anatomy
03:36 Exploring Loose Parts Play
06:35 Criteria for Loose Parts
09:32 The Role of Volume and Rarity
12:41 Malleability and Versatility in Loose Parts
15:35 Sensory Experiences with Loose Parts
18:36 Accessibility and Processing of Loose Parts
21:33 The Value of Foraging for Loose Parts
25:00 The Value of Foraging in Outdoor Play
27:38 Functions of Loose Parts in Play
30:17 Exploring the Best Loose Parts for Play
33:13 The Debate on Non-Native Loose Parts
37:14 The Role of Bark and Heavy Loose Parts
40:37 Choosing the Right Materials for Den Building
42:34 Dreaming Up the Perfect Mud Kitchen
48:27 The Ecological Impact of Using Loose Parts
51:41 Pod Sheep.mp4

resources

No Such Thing As A Fish Podcast - https://www.nosuchthingasafish.com/
Scientists unravel the mystery of echidna's bizarre four-headed penis - https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00145-4
Forest School Resources - https://www.forestschool.co.uk/
Gum Trees and Bark Resources - https://www.britannica.com/plant/gum-tree
Conker Game and History - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkers

Keywords

weather, play, philosophy, achievement, agency, creativity, metrics, education, value capture, qualitative assessment

Summary

In this conversation, Lewis and Wem explore various themes surrounding play, philosophy, and the impact of metrics on society. They discuss the importance of play in fostering creativity and social connections, the differences between striving and achievement players, and the role of constraints in enhancing creativity. The conversation also delves into the concept of value capture, the influence of technology on perception, and the need for qualitative assessments in education. They conclude by reflecting on the importance of process over product and the future of education in relation to play.

Takeaways

Mud everywhere!
The weather can be deceiving.
Books can deeply engage us.
Play has philosophical implications.
Striving players focus on the process.
Constraints can enhance creativity.
Value capture influences our perceptions.
Metrics can simplify complex ideas.
Education often prioritizes quantifiable data.
The process of play is more important than the outcome.

Titles

Exploring the Mud: Weather and Play
The Philosophy of Play and Learning

sound bites

"There's mud everywhere!"
"This book is amazing!"
"The process is beautiful!"

Chapters

00:00 The Muddy Reality of Weather
08:16 Exploring the Depths of Play and Philosophy
11:08 Understanding Player Mindsets: Achievement vs. Striving
14:22 Facilitating Play: Agency and Autonomy in Games
17:24 The Role of Games in Social Dynamics
20:15 Process Beauty in Games: The Art of Overcoming Obstacles
23:06 The Purpose vs. Goal in Play: Social Connection Over Competition
37:08 The Sensual Act of Information Management
40:21 Nature Connection and Purpose
43:35 Metrics, Value Capture, and Scoring Systems
50:16 The Influence of Technology on Perception
56:47 The Four Horsemen of Value Capture
01:05:55 The Balance of Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics
01:10:41 Exploring Pedagogies and Their Metrics

Keywords

tree planting, community engagement, climate action, Avon Needs Trees, sustainable practices, tree care, volunteerism, Echo Wood, environmental awareness, biodiversity

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Wem speaks with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees about the importance of community tree planting and care. Susan shares her journey from academia to horticulture, highlighting the mission of Avon Needs Trees in combating climate change through woodland creation. They discuss the significance of community involvement, sustainable practices in tree care, and the emotional aspects of confronting climate change. The conversation also touches on the innovative Echo Wood project, which aims to create a living artwork through tree planting, and the importance of fostering connections with nature.

Takeaways

Susan Barker transitioned from academia to horticulture due to stress and a desire to work with nature.
Avon Needs Trees focuses on creating permanent woodlands to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Community engagement is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives.
Sustainable tree care practices are essential for the long-term health of planted trees.
Volunteers play a significant role in tree planting and care, fostering a sense of ownership.
Echo Wood is a living artwork project that involves planting 365 trees in a circular design.
Emotional well-being is supported through active participation in environmental initiatives.
The organization emphasizes the importance of local actions in response to global climate issues.
Conversations about climate change should balance despair with hope and actionable steps.
The survival rate of trees planted by Avon Needs Trees is impressively high, averaging around 93%.

Sound bites

"The tree care is so meditative."
"We want to have those conversations."
"It's the little things that citizens do that matter."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Avon Needs Trees and Susan Barker
07:39 Susan's Journey from Academia to Horticulture
12:46 The Birth of Avon Needs Trees
18:49 Land Acquisition and Community Engagement
25:09 Tree Planting and Care Practices
29:43 The Challenges of Tree Planting
30:50 Creating a Community Woodland
32:27 Survival Rates and Long-Term Care
34:50 Engaging the Community
41:44 Introducing Echo Wood
49:22 Confronting Climate Change Emotionally
01:00:21 Pod Cat.mp4

In this episode, Wem and Lewis explore the philosophical and societal implications of play, discussing how it shapes childhood development and adult behavior. They delve into the idea that play is not merely a preparation for adulthood but a vital part of life itself, influencing social interactions and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the impact of adult perceptions on children's play and the broader cultural narratives surrounding play.

Keywords

play, childhood development, adult behavior, social interactions, personal growth, societal perceptions, cultural narratives, essential play, children, adults

Takeaways

Play is a vital part of life, not just preparation for adulthood.
Adult perceptions can influence children's play experiences.
Play shapes social interactions and personal growth.
Cultural narratives impact how play is valued.
Philosophical discussions on the essence of play are explored.
Play is essential for both children and adults.
The role of play in childhood development is multifaceted.
Play can reflect societal issues and biases.
Understanding play requires a holistic view of its impact.
Play is a fundamental aspect of human experience.