Teachers from Gwent got a wiggle on recently to learn new ways of teaching children how trees can help to fight the effects of climate change.
Ten primary school teachers tried their hand at a range of activities contained in a new Climate Change Pack for seven to 11-year-old children devised by the Forestry Commission Wales Woodlands for Learning team.
The teachers took part in the “Wiggly Worm” game, designed to emphasise the devastating effects of deforestation and highlight the importance of soil and the role forests play in maintaining good healthy topsoil.
Embracing the spirit of activities normally run for children, they pretended to be birds and worms in a role-playing game that links to discussions on food chains and biodiversity.
The training day took place in Assembly Government woodlands at Goytre Wharf, just north of Pontypool.
The new packs, which were launched during Climate Week held between March 21 and 27, enable teachers to explain the complex issue of climate change to children in a practical and fun way, linked to the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Gareth Tudball, a teacher at Tynewydd Primary School, said, “I would use the majority of these resources, and we’re already looking at ways we could adapt and extend them.”
Other activities in the pack include making charcoal over a fire and discovering the carbon content of trees.
Cathy Velmans of the Woodlands for Learning team, who organised the day, said, “The training day was useful for familiarising teachers with the ideas in the pack.
“They will be able to use the activities to highlight the important role of trees in tackling climate change with pupils in their school grounds or local woodlands.”
If you are interested in having a training day, contact the FC Wales Woodlands for Learning team on 0300 068 0300.
