At North Hertfordshire College, we bring learning to life through engaging, practical experiences that prepare students for their future careers.
That’s why our second-year T Level Education & Early Years students recently took part in a practical outdoor session, where learners engaged in a forest school activity led by tutor Jo Charles.
The afternoon began with an imaginative introduction inspired by the children’s story The Truth About Fairies. Students received a letter from the Fairy Council explaining that a mighty storm had swept through the fairies’ woodland home, scattering their tiny houses and leaving them without a safe place to rest their wings.
Working in teams, students designed and rebuilt fairy homes in response to the story. The activity encouraged learners to draw on their empathy, creativity, kindness and developing knowledge of caring for children. Each group created cosy and inviting homes using natural materials, incorporating different shapes, soft spaces, and small nooks for the fairy families to hide and rest.
Students carefully considered the individual needs of each fairy family when planning their designs. The activity also demonstrated how books can be used as powerful starting points for meaningful learning experiences; learners explored how storytelling can inspire creative projects that link directly to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and reflect the types of prompts educators use in real early years settings.
The session supported students’ understanding of lesson planning and the importance of designing activities that respond to children’s needs and interests. It also encouraged the development of empathy and caring qualities that are essential in early years education.
Students thoroughly enjoyed the session, and their feedback reflected the valuable insights they gained.
Hollie, one of NHC’s T Level Education & Early Years students, told us: “Designing the fairy homes helped me see how outdoor learning links naturally to the EYFS. It was creative, but also purposeful and child centred. I loved how we had to think about each ‘fairy family’ being different. It reminded me how important it is to plan for individual needs and interests.”
Mia, who is also studying her T Level in Education & Early Years, added: “This session reinforced that enabling environments don’t need expensive resources, nature provides everything you need.”
Do you want to start your own career in teaching and working with children? Discover North Hertfordshire College’s Education & Early Years pathway and start your journey to the best you. Ever.