Ep 5 - Physical Games

In this energised and laughter-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive deep into the world of structured games in Forest School settings. They explore how games like 123 Where Are You?, Hunters and Rabbits, and Mr Crocodile offer more than entertainment—they build community, provide scaffolding for social interaction, and even offer a pathway into mindfulness and emotional regulation. With examples from toddler groups to adult team days, the hosts reflect on how games help anchor new children, spark imaginative adaptation, and provide comfort during challenging moments. They also unpick the tension between leader-initiated structure and child-led innovation, discuss developmental readiness for winning and losing, and explain how even simple games can help children test boundaries, develop confidence, and embed learning. Packed with insight, humour, and practical ideas, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how games can enrich Forest School sessions. ⏱ Chapter Timings: 00:00 – Welcome and mood check 01:09 – Defining structured games in Forest School 01:41 – 123 Where Are You?, tiger roars, and adaptations 02:40 – Hunting, tracking, and scavenger games 03:12 – How games support new children in established groups 04:30 – Games as emotional anchors and confidence builders 05:08 – Portability of games into home life and other settings 06:03 – The hidden benefits: mindfulness and presence 07:20 – Framing intentionality to parents during sessions 08:16 – Child-led adaptations and creative ownership 09:28 – Games as tools for social interaction 10:08 – The joy of rule-making in middle childhood 11:02 – What happens when nobody wants to play? 12:04 – Reading the group and adapting plans 13:25 – Parent perceptions and letting children observe 14:08 – Modelling play between co-leaders 15:14 – Games requiring multiple players vs solo modelling 15:30 – Games as social lifelines in complex moments 16:35 – Decision fatigue and structured play 17:00 – Competitive games, development, and regulation 17:56 – Understanding when children are ready to lose 18:32 – Reframing success and collaborative challenges 19:23 – Adults playing games: surprise, joy, and release 20:52 – Tag and chasing games: developmental layers 21:30 – Physical testing and repeated thrill 22:08 – Final reflections: expand the repertoire, don’t feel pressured 22:23 – Share your favourite games with us! 🌱 Keywords: Forest School games, outdoor play, child-led learning, structured games, play-based learning, mindfulness in play, competitive games, social development, early years education, hunting games, imaginative play, emotional regulation, group games, toddler engagement, Forest School strategies 🔖 Hashtags: #ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #ChildLedLearning #GamesInNature #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyYears #MindfulPlay #InclusivePlay #ForestSchoolActivities 💬 Get Involved: Have a brilliant game to share or a question to ask? Email us at [email protected] 🌐 Find more at: www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support the show at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast