Crossgates Primary School
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Woodland Wonders
Welcome to Woodland Wonders, an interactive fun learning experience from Crossgates Primary School designed for our families. Over the coming seasons, familes will have the opportunity to explore the seasons through stories and activities.
We believe outdoor learning strengthens wellbeing and supports classroom learning in meaningful ways. By connecting forest school experiences and the natural world, Woodland Wonders offers a positive, practical experience for families across our school community.
Thank you for your continued support—together, we can help our children grow into caring, informed learners who appreciate the environment around them.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy participating in these activities as a family, and we warmly encourage you to share your experiences on Tapestry for us to view and celebrate.
Spring Discovering the Magic of the Humble Nettle!
Hello Families!
When you think of stinging nettles, your first thought is probably about itchy ankles and pesky garden weeds. But what if we told you that this prickly, misunderstood plant is actually one of nature’s greatest hidden treasures?
Far from just a nuisance, the stinging nettle is a powerhouse of the countryside. Here is why we absolutely love them:
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Nature’s Superfood: Nettles are absolutely packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. They are more nutritious than spinach!
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Wildlife Heroes: They are vital to our ecosystem and serve as the favorite food for the caterpillars of some of our most beautiful butterflies.
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Free and Delicious: For centuries, people have foraged nettles to make incredible teas, medicines, and rich, vibrant meals.
Woven Words Listen to the story "The Boy and the Nettle".
It is a heartwarming countryside tale about a young boy who is sent to gather nettles but is terrified of getting stung. It teaches a beautiful, timeless lesson: when we face our fears with hesitation, we often get hurt. But when we approach our challenges with boldness and courage, they lose their sting entirely!
Make sure you subscribe to the Woodland Wonders Woven Words You Tube channel to listen to Mrs. Dry's stories.
Family Fun Why not go on a family foraging adventure?
Grab some thick gardening gloves, a pair of scissors, and a basket, and head out to carefully snip the top leaves of your local nettles. (Remember: as long as you wear your gloves and are bold, you won't get stung!).
Foraging Guide
Whisk it up Nettle Soup
Once you get them home, cooking the leaves completely destroys the sting, leaving you with the perfect ingredient for a delicious, bright green, and incredibly healthy Nettle Soup.
Recipe
Summer Summer Fun
Hello Families!
When you think of the Summer Solstice and the upcoming school holidays, your first thought is probably about making the most of the long, light-filled days and enjoying summer on your own individual family agenda. Whether you have weeks of free time to explore or just small pockets of the day between work and life, there is magic to be found in every sunny moment.
This vibrant season is all about simple, effortless ways to connect with nature and each other at your own pace. Here is why we are absolutely buzzing for this summer:
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The Ultimate Forest School Playground: Nature does the entertaining for you! With the woods in full bloom, you can step outside whenever it suits you for quick, free-spirited adventures like climbing trees, building leafy shelters, or feeling the warm earth under your feet.
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Storytime Under the Canopy: Gathering in the shade to listen to the legendary tale of how summer began—and how a clever crow brought warmth to the north—is the perfect, low-stress way to unwind together and celebrate the sun's maximum energy.
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Baking the Sunshine: Making our signature Sun-Citrus Cookies is a quick, super-simple kitchen activity that fits into any routine, leaving you with a delicious, grab-and-go sensory treat for your next outdoor stroll.
So whatever your summer schedule looks like, grab a cookie, step outside, and let's make this a season of wild, easy family memories!
What summer activities are you most excited to try first with your family?
Woven Words Listen to the story "The Theft of the Sun."
Here is a thrilling countryside tale about a world trapped in a freezing, endless winter and the brave crow who sets out to save it. It teaches a beautiful, timeless lesson: when we let greed and selfishness hoard the good things in life, the world stays cold and dark. But when we share our light with boldness and generosity, we can melt away the ice and bring warmth, joy, and summer to everyone around us!
Make sure you subscribe to the Woodland Wonders Woven Words You Tube channel to listen to Mrs. Dry's stories.
Family Fun What local summer fun activity will you choose to do?
Here are some budget-friendly ways to celebrate the sunshine right on our doorstep. Why don't you try out some of the simple, fun-filled activities to help your family explore, create, and play together at your own pace around Milnrow?
Whisk it up Citrus Sun Cookies
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Fun for Little Bakers: Here is a super simple, hands-on recipe that gives you the perfect chance to shape, and create your very own mini-suns. The bright, zesty citrus brings a burst of refreshing fruitiness that tastes exactly like a warm ray of sunshine.