October at Firefly Forest School was full of mushrooms, blossoms, campfires and brave little adventurers. In between our weekly themes, our nature-based campus in Bangkok became a city survival camp for the October break, and the month ended with a Halloween celebration and news of a brand-new class for our youngest learners. Here is a look back at the highlights.
Mushroom Week and fairy cookies
Mushroom Week arrived in our Wanderers class, and the children spent the week looking at, talking about and playing with all things fungi. The theme then moved into the kitchen, which became “our magical forest for the day” (watch out for fairies!). From dough to deliciousness, our little chefs worked on the art of making mushroom-shaped cookies, shaping, rolling and, of course, tasting.
Blossom Week and marshmallows by the fire
Earlier in the month we celebrated Blossom Week, with flowers and petals at the heart of the children’s play and exploration. And when the school day was done, there was time for one of Firefly’s favourite rituals: building a campfire behind the school and toasting marshmallows together.
A parent’s view of the first half-term
As the first half-term came to an end and the two-week break began, one parent shared their thoughts on their child’s very first term at school. They wrote that they didn’t want their little one to miss a single day, because there were lovely activities every day and the children were having so much fun they didn’t want to go home. They described the school as a lovely place in a great location: no tall buildings all around, good fresh air, an open feeling and a cool breeze, with evenings spent sitting and watching the children play. They added that drop-off and pick-up are easy, without traffic jams. Thank you for such kind words.
Survival Skills City Camp
By popular demand, we added an extra round of our Survival Skills City Camp for the October break, running 21–25 October and 28 October – 1 November. Rather than leaving the city, we “brought the forest to Firefly”. The plan for our young adventurers: climb trees like a pro, learn CPR and first aid, practise rope skills and safe descents, light fires and cook in the wild, set up their own tents, meet a fire engine, and celebrate with a Halloween party under the stars. We were soon looking for just two more adventurers to fill the final places.
We also re-shared a short video on how to escape if you are ever trapped inside a car. Survival skills lessons are useful and stay with children for life, and we believe children should practise them regularly, just as they practise reading and writing.
Halloween: The Spirit’s Journey
This year our Halloween party invited families into the magical world of “The Spirit’s Journey” (การเดินทางของจิตวิญญาณ): an evening of fun, adventure and a touch of mystery starting from 5 pm, with a trick-or-treat adventure, campfire fun, an outdoor movie night, games galore, a kids’ market, the Spirit Walk and night-time camping.
Late in the month we also reflected on what makes Firefly special: learning, growing and connecting. Ours is a community where knowledge is exchanged and experiences are shared, and where the journey of discovery unfolds through peers, mentors and the environment itself. We work to cultivate a sanctuary of trust where learning is empowered.
Coming next: the Wonderer Class
To close the month, we announced our new Wonderer Class for little explorers aged 1.5 to 3, starting 4 November. Rooted in nature-based and experiential learning, it offers hands-on sensory exploration, creative play in a nurturing environment and activities that support holistic development, guided by our core beliefs: nature as teacher, experiential learning, playful exploration, holistic development and community connection.
With our thoughts, and our thanks
At the start of October, Firefly Forest School shared its deepest condolences with the families who lost loved ones in the school-trip bus fire, and sent strength to everyone who was injured. We also want to thank the Frog Team for the valuable experiences they have given Firefly children.
Curious to see a day at Firefly for yourself? Come along to one of our weekend playgroups, explore our programs from toddler groups to primary, or book a school tour and meet our teachers in the garden on Lat Phrao Soi 35.
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