Case Cameo
‘Tyler (10) was not perfect. He sometimes acted-out when he was frustrated. Tyler was capable but under-achieving. He felt as though he was not good at anything and his short attention span and minor dyslexia did not help his learning or social skills. His year group began to attend Forest School every week on a Wednesday afternoon. Tyler was apprehensive. However, they began to make a camp in the woods during the first session. Tyler became animated. He was the distinct leader within his small group and encouraged his team to construct a shelter; spending all afternoon on this task.
During the following weeks Tyler learned how to make things out of wood. Tyler loved music and so he was supported in making a kazoo out of Hazel. He influenced the group to end with a musical jamming session; some playing drums, others using wooden materials which made various sounds and Tyler on his Kazoo. He was hooked.
During the weeks that followed Tyler learned how to function independently and safely within the woodland environment. He learned about the weather, trees, plants and animals that shared his outdoor school. His musical abilities grew; he built confidence; learned about human history through drama and art; unknowingly developed his mathematical skills via problem-solving games and; developed knowledge in natural history and geography. Tyler was working towards his potential through hands on woodland learning experiences.’