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'Wild Woodland Web' at Sheffield Children's University™
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15 hours of activities over 3 days, involving 14 children from Meynell Primary School, Sheffield
A Children's University™ module of structured learning activities led by a team of providers was enjoyed by the groups of children who worked with leaders from Activity Sheffield, SCC Parks, Trees and Woodlands, Sheffield Wildlife Trust and the school. Teo staff were consistent through the project with the other partners delivering specialist aspects.
Den building activities took place in the wooded area of Parson Cross Park and the public access woodland beside Hartley Brook in the are known locally as Tongue Gutter.
An exciting innovation was the use of PDAs (palmtop computers) to take and save photographs, make annotations and, on the final afternoon, produce photo stories at the City Learning Centre. The children were encouraged to use this genre to express their thoughts and ideas about the areas they had visited.
The children were instructed in the safe use of a bow saw and as a co-operative activity they cut and decorated wooden coasters. Meanwhile, other children made a map of the site as preparation for an environmental survey. The school Learning Mentor commented: ”All the activities went down well with all the children despite the cold weather. There is plenty to build on here and not much to improve. The interest shown by the children and behaviour was excellent."
All partner organisations agreed that this was one of the most successful holiday learning projects undertaken and were very impressed with the children’s stamina and concentration despite the cold weather.
The three-day module of activity was co-ordinated by Penny Rea as part of a wider Children's University™ programme of outdoor learning. The programme was funded by Sheffield City Council (SCC) Children and Young People's Service (CYPD), Study Support, with in-kind support from SCC Trees and Woodlands and Activity Sheffield.