Forest School Activities Online Training
Module 6: Using Tools
Empower Children to Use Tools
Gain confidence in using basic tools with different age groups.
There is no doubt that at some point, you are going to introduce tools to children – and why not! Tools give children the opportunity to learn to be independent and self-reliant and a simple tool can help you and your group take crafting to another level
We will guide you through all the safety precautions and teach you how to safely work with saws, knives, palm drills, bit and brace, hand drills, secateurs, loppers and hammers! It gives you an insight into our basic tool kit.
What makes the Forest School Activities Training Course so important
Today more people understand the necessity for outdoor learning.
Moreover, the importance of securing nature’s future.
Sir David Attenborough said: "No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced."
We know working with nature is the best solution for climate change...
What’s more, Covid 19 has taught us that immersion in nature positively benefits children’s and adults' health, mental health and wellbeing.
Which is why now more than ever, it’s vital to show people of all ages how to engage with nature.
"Spearheading the transformation of education and health through nature"
This video-based online learning course gives you everything you need to run engaging outdoor sessions…
From acquiring the skills … to mastering the techniques … to health and safety risk assessments …
Remember, this extensive nature-based training programme comes from my 30 years of experience teaching Forest School to outdoor practitioners and teachers like you, in face-to-face settings … and now online.
I understand the barriers you face: namely space, time and cost.
This comprehensive training will equip you with the outdoor learning knowledge and skills you need to overcome perceived barriers and take your classroom outdoors.
You’ll get clear guidance … on how to run engaging activities for early years, primary and secondary children.
You’ll get practical tips on … conducting risk and benefit assessments.. and much more.
You’ll get lifetime access to my highly visual training videos that let you see and hear in detail the outdoor activities taught. You can replay the videos as many times as needed.
So that by the time you complete the Forest School Activities Online Training Course
You’ll have all the information you need to plan engaging outdoor sessions…
Take a look at some of the activities you’ll learn
Using Knives
In this lesson you will learn how to use secateurs and knives for some simple whittling. We will take another look at the ratios you may need to think about when using knives and other tools with children as well as revisiting some typical woods for whittling. We will also show you some clips from our ‘knife protocol’.
Using a Bow Saw
This video gives you direct example of how to use a bow saw and a pruning saw giving you a little more in depth information into how to use these important tools safely! We take time to give you professional training into how and why we are using these tools as any mistakes could result in serious injury. We talk through all the considerations for you to think about, which wood to use and the options you have. In all the years we have worked with groups of all ages, we have not had any problems, rather hours of fun and productivity!
How to make a Wooden Mallet
This activity teaches many useful skills from using the saw to knife work. It can be done with all ages, as long as we apply the different methods of using tools from the other videos.
So, whether you’re a teacher who wants to embed outdoor learning into the curriculum or an outdoor practitioner looking to refresh your skills and gain inspiration…
The Forest School Activities Online Training Course can get you to where you want to be…
What do other people say about the course?
Lisa Gylsen
Home Educator
"I think the Tools module is an essential resource for any parent, teacher or practitioner that works with children – outdoors or otherwise. It makes you consider safety in all the tools you use. I really appreciate this as we taught our daughters to use knives for cooking around age 6-7, and when they were competent we bought them their own kitchen knives. As a homeschooling mother, we do spend a lot time in nature, but this module has given me more ideas on creative things to make and do in nature or camping. It also uses tools that we already have and clearly shows the best way to use and maintain them safely."
Claire Samways
Physiotherapist. Coppice Crafter. Trainee FS Teacher
"I have just completed the Tools Module online with The Outdoor Teacher. I am currently in training to become a Forest School teacher and feel this has given me the confidence and skills necessary to enhance my learning to enable me to deliver activities that involve using tools safely and creatively."
Deborah Lewis
Home Educator
"This was such a great module to bring to my home classroom - it gave me the confidence to allow the kids to begin using knives and other tools whilst at the same time learning about our local flora They quickly became independent in the use of these tools, created some cool if not whacky nature crafts, and I saw in them an enormous sense of achievement."
Course Curriculum
- Welcome to the Using Tools Module (4:16)
- Toolkit (10:50)
- Bow Saw and Pruning Saw (16:49)
- Using Knives and Secateurs (16:32)
- Loppers (1:53)
- Palm Drills, Hand Drills, Bit & Brace (5:43)
- Using a Tent Peg as a Tool (1:24)
- How to Make a Wooden Mallet (14:36)
- Creative Ideas for Using a Knife & Palm Drill (10:17)
- Making a Duck Caller (8:27)
- A Simple Elder Pencil (3:17)
- Using Tools Reflection
- Resources
- Course Feedback
What's Included in Module 6?
✔️ 11 video lessons full of tips, ideas and essential safety knowledge for anyone who wants to work safely in the outdoors using tools.
✔️ Lessons include working safely with knives, saws, palm drills and tent pegs to construct a range of items from wooden mallets to duck callers and elder pencils.
Plus downloadable resources:
✔️ Risk and Benefit Assessment
✔️ Tool Maintenance Document
What will you learn?
✔️ Safely use different hand tools for a range of applications at Forest School
✔️ Safely check, clean, maintain and store your tools
✔️ Support the development of perseverance and risk management
✔️ Encourage the use and value of green woodwork
✔️ Demonstrate and explain how to facilitate with client groups, the safe use of a range of hand tools
Who provides the Forest School Outdoors Activities training?
Marina Robb (Bsc; PGCE; MA; Msc; Author) is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature.
Marina is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’ (foreword by Chris Packham), a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners, and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’ (foreword by David Sobel) which contains everything you need to know from theory to practice
Marina has more than 30 years experience in outdoor learning and nature connection. She provides a deep understanding of effective nature education at all levels and for a range of diverse backgrounds.
Marina is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and since 1989 has studied Environmental Education (MA), Environmental Management (BSc) and Social Research (MSc). She is a leading Forest School endorsed trainer and practitioner (UK and International). Her aim is to share her knowledge and experience with teachers and others wishing to work outside the classroom.
Complete the full course and you’ll qualify for Forest School Liability Insurance
Birnbeck Insurance is the UK's leading provider of specialist liability insurance for Forest School and Outdoor Learning Practitioners. As such, the firm has approved our Forest School Activities Online Training Course, which means when you complete your training, you’ll be eligible for their Forest School Liability Insurance.
Contact Birnbeck for a quote
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If you are not happy with the course, you can contact us with an explanation and claim a full refund within 30 days.
Know that your course is available on all devices
The Forest School Activities Online Training Course is mobile friendly and available on all types of devices.
If you have an iPhone you can download the 'Teachable' app from the Apple Store and download the videos onto your phone.
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FAQs
When does the course start?
The course starts as soon as you register. You work at your own pace and you will receive a certificate when you complete.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course! Unlimited access to the lessons and videos for as long as you like, across all your devices.
Is my instructor qualified?
Yes, Marina Robb is a UK Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer and has been training Forest School Leaders since 2011. She has been working with groups in nature since 1995 and you can read more here.
Our organisation can’t pay using a credit or debit card – can we still buy the course?
Yes, we understand that many schools and other organisations can’t pay by card – contact us and we can send you an invoice to pay us by bank transfer in UK Sterling, Euros or Dollars. We can even accept cheques from UK bank accounts.
Can I access the course on my mobile?
Yes, the course can be accessed on all devices. If you have an iPhone, you can also download the free ‘Teachable’ app from the Apple Store and complete the course using the app, downloading any videos you like onto your device.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If for some reason you are not happy with the course, contact us in writing within your first 30 days for a full refund. You will need to include an explanation of why you want the refund.
We don't have access to a woodland - can we do these activities in a playground or park?
Yes, you can. Whether you are near a woodland, park or school playground - all the activities can be adapted for different circumstances.
We have run activities using fire, tools, games, wild food, crafts, swings & ropes, shelters in school yards and playgrounds.
It does take more preparation and consideration of equipment. If you wanted to make fires, you would either designate a small green area of the playground for this purpose or use a fire bowl to lift the fire off the ground. We have also taken many groups on short walks throughout the seasons to gather some plants for many activities.
Posts can be put up to replace trees, so that children can still set up various rope bridges or constructions and with a little thinking you can easily set up a rope swing and tarpaulin shelters.
In schools we often ask parents to contribute a log for our wood pile and ask for help to bring in useful materials we may need over the year.
Can I share my course with my colleagues?
No - the license is granted for 1 user to view the contents of the course. This access must not be shared with any other person and only the named user will receive the certificate and be able to answer the assessments. See next question for bulk licencing queries.
Can we purchase multiple licenses for our staff team?
Yes, please contact us for bulk purchasing discounts. We can set up the user accounts for you and send you access codes and you can pay by invoice.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, all our courses come with a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from The Outdoor Teacher Ltd. You can view a sample certificate HERE
How can we contact you if we have a question?
Yes feel free to call or email us with any questions - our contact details are on the contact page.
Our commitment to Nature & People:
The Outdoor Teacher, alongside its sister organization Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC aim to transform health, education and family through nature.
We are whole-heartedly concerned about the safeguarding of future generations, human and non-human alike, and the growing understanding of reciprocity between humans and nature. Whilst we are advocates for all people accessing nature and its benefits, we know that this is only healthy if we prioritise the care for the natural world and address issues of equality.
The Outdoor Teacher is working towards becoming a certified B-Corp. Certified B Corps are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We aim to be part of this community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using businesses as a force for good.
We are using Monzo Business Banking which is listed as an ethical bank: https://monzo.com/ethics.
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