Charlotte and her Mini Mumbler recently went along to the new Grass Roots Muddy Boots ‘Little Shoots’; a Forest School for pre-schoolers at Meanwood Park. Find out what they thought here…
Forest Schools are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s no wonder why. Children love the great outdoors! It allows them the freedom to explore new things; to run and play; to develop new skills and learn. Emily always thrives when she’s out and about, so I was keen to give Grass Roots, Muddy Boots Forest School a try.
In advance of the session, we were sent an information pack with all the important details including exact location/what to wear/contact details. This was great and we felt truly prepared in our waterproofs and wellies. We met Sally at the entrance to the woods up the path behind the playground. She was eagerly waiting for everyone with her bendy flag and fox tail! After an initial meet-and-greet and the all-important Health and Safety, we followed Sally and her fox tail into the woods to begin our adventure, singing ‘Here we go to Forest School’ to the tune of ‘Here we go around the Mulberry bush’.
Within the woods Sally had set out a number of key areas to explore, from the main campfire site with seating area to the mud kitchen, the bug hunting station, hammock, and fairy dell. We took a tour around the different areas and were then given the option of free-play or to listen to the week’s story; Bird Builds a Nest.
Emily and I sat down to listen to the story, where we were given a very welcome hot chocolate and biscuit whilst we listened. Sally was great with the story, asking the children and parents lots of questions through-out to keep us all engaged. We were then invited to build our own nests out of sticks, leaves and wool from around the woods.
Emily and I then explored the free-play areas and went on the hunt for some bugs. There was the choice of real bugs, or toy bugs – with magnifying pots and bug-eyed glasses to try and take a closer look. The fairy dell also provided a great source of imagination with a scroll, miniature dwellings and its very own fairy. The mud kitchen was a great source of entertainment, where imaginations ran wild and some even took to tasting the mud. Whilst the hammock provided a great opportunity to take a moment to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
After free-play everyone was gathered back around the campfire where Sally lit the fire. It was time to toast marshmallows!!! There were some very important rules; you could not enter the inner circle and if you knelt down you had to keep one knee up to make a quick get-away should you need to. Emily was fascinated; watching intently as a wooden skewer was interested in a bamboo stick, and a marshmallow was pierced on top. After watching many others take their turn, she was keen to have a go. And boy did she enjoy the results!
The whole session felt very relaxed and the children really enjoyed themselves, exploring the woods and appreciating the simple things in life. Emily had a great time and was genuinely upset to leave.
Grass Roots Muddy Boots is based on a Scandinavian idea that considers children’s contact with nature to be extremely important from a very early age. So, if you want to get out of the house with your little one and give them the freedom to explore the great outdoors, whilst learning key skills, this is the class for you. But be warned, sessions will take place in any weather so make sure you are fully prepared for all seasons.
Grass Roots Muddy Boots ‘Little Shoots’ currently takes place at Meanwood Park on Mondays at 1pm and will take place on Fridays at 10am from May. Sessions last 1.5 hours and are especially good for 1-5year olds. Pre-booking is required; costs are £10 for first adult and child; £5 for an additional child and £4 for a sibling; this includes a hot drink and snack (dietary requirements are catered for where possible).
Grass Roots Muddy Boots also provide party packages from £200; £15 per head, with a minimum of 14 children. This includes; campfire food, unlimited drinks, choice of two creative tool tasks, free play, pizza making, and fire lighting (age and time dependent).
To get in touch, contact the Sally on 07904 214006 or email sally@grassrootsmuddyboots.com or for more information visit their Website or Facebook page.
They also have a lovely Mother’s Day event running on Saturday 30th March, more details here.
*Mumbler was not paid for this review but we did receive a free session to try out Little Shoots. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion. Details correct at time of publishing; March 2019.
