Ep 30 - Springboard Activities!

In this energetic, hands-on episode Lewis and Gemma explore the magic of springboard activities—those simple setups that spark hours of play, learning and wonder. After nibbling Romanian walnuts and defining “springboard” with a nod to Lily Kindling’s session-plan template, they share their top examples: from fluttering paper swallows to a tangled rope labyrinth, Sally Secret’s hidden den, collaborative Stone Soup, Hansel & Gretel chalk art and enchanted gnome-hunt walks. Expect tales of clay creatures born from Earth, monkey-Butler improv, puppet birds chasing sunlight, elfin invitations and more ways to ignite a child-led adventure. ⏱ Chapter Timings: 00:19 – Walnut gifts & session open-circle tradition 01:16 – What is a “springboard”? (Lily Kindling’s template) 03:00 – Paper-swallow puppets: migrate, decorate, take flight 04:47 – Tangle-rope “unfinished” labyrinth: collective building challenge 07:24 – Sally Secret story → pop-up dens that beg adult invitations 09:06 – Stone Soup storytelling → shared soup-making & imaginative cooking 12:53 – Hansel & Gretel chalk-door springboard → instant mini den play 14:10 – Gnome/elf trail: story-led nature walks & object hunts 16:17 – Wrap-up & kids’ own springboard mash-ups 🌲 Keywords: springboard activities, child-led play, paper puppets, rope dens, storytelling, nature connection, collaborative cooking, chalk art, forest school techniques 🔖 Hashtags: #SpringboardPlay #ForestSchool #ChildLedLearning #Storytelling #HandsOnLearning #NaturePlay #DenBuilding #ImaginativePlay #PlayBasedLearning #ForestSchoolPodcast 🌐 More Episodes & Support: Listen & find resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support us at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast Feedback or collab? [email protected]