Woodland crafts for educators - upper primary / secondary (full day)

A course for existing educators (teachers, classroom assistants, pupil support officers etc) who want to discover or develop techniques, approaches and projects for safe tool use and creative woodland-based crafts with adolescents and younger learners. This training is ideal for educators looking to work in (or already working in) delivery of meaningful outdoor learning, as well as forest school or FOLA activities (Jonnie is FOLA Level 8 qualified). Ideal for supporting woodland and green woodworking activities in high school, primary or PSS settings. The skills and approaches covered actively help educational settings realise their potential in outdoor learning and Learning for Sustainability.

The course is hosted in and around our bothy workshop near Kirkcaldy. The day will include some flexibility but, as a guide, activities will include bladed-tool use such as secateurs, knives, axes and saws. Example projects might include bead-making, wood cookies, whittling or toys and functional items, and wand-making. We will explore natural fibres, including where and how to find and gather these, and potential uses. We will look at examples, suitability and suppliers of tools, as well as foraging for nature materials. We will also discuss, more generally, approaches for taking learning outside of the classroom including how is outdoor learning different from forest school, risk assessment, age-appropriate tasks and working with additional support needs.

While we cover a lot of information, the day is intended to be relaxing; the setting is rural Fife at its best, and the format friendly, safe and informal.
Tea/coffee is provided. And obviously cake/biscuits (usually gluten-free, but not nut/egg/dairy free, and not usually vegan). Please bring your own if essential for dietary requirements/choices.
Please bring a packed lunch with you on the day.

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Jonnie Crawford, is a practising teacher of Craft, Design and Technology for Fife Council, as well as a qualified forest school leader experienced in running woodland sessions with primary and secondary learners. He leads sessions with ASN and behaviour support groups, as well as mainstream. He relishes teaching wood-based crafts and safe tool use to youngsters, helping them build creative freedom and discover meaningful connections with nature. As a qualified teacher (GTCS) working within Curriculum for Excellence, courses are designed to mesh with current policy as well as being effective and achievable within real-world constraints of school life.