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 check01:09 – Defining structured games in Forest School01:41 – 123 Where Are You?, tiger roars, and adaptations02:40 – Hunting, tracking, and scavenger games03:12 – How games support new children in established groups04:30 – Games as emotional anchors and confidence builders05:08 – Portability of games into home life and other settings06:03 – The hidden benefits: mindfulness and presence07:20 – Framing intentionality to parents during sessions08:16 – Child-led adaptations and creative ownership09:28 – Games as tools for social interaction10:08 – The joy of rule-making in middle childhood11:02 – What happens when nobody wants to play?12:04 – Reading the group and adapting plans13:25 – Parent perceptions and letting children observe14:08 – Modelling play between co-leaders15:14 – Games requiring multiple players vs solo modelling15:30 – Games as social lifelines in complex moments16:35 – Decision fatigue and structured play17:00 – Competitive games, development, and regulation17:56 – Understanding when children are ready to lose18:32 – Reframing success and collaborative challenges19:23 – Adults playing games: surprise, joy, and release20:52 – Tag and chasing games: developmental layers21:30 – Physical testing and repeated thrill22:08 – Final reflections: expand the repertoire, don’t feel pressured22:23 – 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.comSupport the show at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast