Introduction to Forest School Knots – Knot tying terminology and 7 tips on how to teach knots

Wondering how to teach knots at Forest School? Is knot tying terminology getting you in a tangle? In this video I give an introduction to knots at Forest School, sharing some thoughts on terminology and 7 teaching tips I’ve found useful.

If you are currently doing your Forest School training or already a Forest School Leader looking to brush up on your Forest School skills I hope this video helps you develop your Forest School activities and practice.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
01:33 – Knot Terminology
05:40 – Not all Knots are Knots!
07:45 – 7 Tips for Teaching Knots at FS
12:54 - Poem

Come to the woods with me, Forest School Lou,
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GLOSSARY OF KNOT TYING TERMS:
- BEND – a binding where the ends of two lines are attached to each other
- BIGHT – a fold picked from the standing part, which does not cross itself
- HITCH – a binding where the line is attached to something else, like a branch, post or hoop
- KNOT – a binding in a single line (not involving any other line or post/peg etc)
- LASHING – a sturdy binding which aims to brace 2 or more items (such as poles or sticks) together
- LINE – The rope, string or cordage being used
- LOOP – a circular shape in the line, either cast over or under hand where the line crosses itself
- ROUND TURN – when the line continues around the post or tree after a ‘turn’ once more so that the line has more friction
- STANDING END – the end of the line not being used to tie the knot (or the ‘snake’s tail’), also known as the Dead End or Bitter End
- STANDING PART – the middle of the line (or the ‘snake’s belly’)
- TURN – when the line takes a wrap around a post or tree to meet so that the working end meets with the standing part
- WHIPPING – a binding on the end of a rope or post to pull things tight together
- WORKING END – the end of the line that is being used to tie the knot (or the ‘snake’s head’)

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LINKS:
https://www.animatedknots.com/ - Animated knots by Grog
https://www.forestschoolassociation.org – The Forest School Association, the UK charity for Forest School.

EQUIPMENT USED:
https://amzn.to/3Be64xy - GoPro HERO7 Black
https://amzn.to/3BcJWnx - RODE Wireless Go wireless microphone system

Some of the links above are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission from sales. Thank you for helping me keep the power on and Lily-Roe in nappies!

CREDITS – IMAGES FROM PIXABAY:
- Child tying shoes – congerdesign
- Child tying knot – Vincent Van
- Snake Cartoon – Clker-Free-Vector-Images
Thank you for use of your images!

Many thanks to James Bigdaddy for his groovy editing skills on this video – especially Sid the Snake!

DISCLAIMER:
All information shared within the Forest School Lou channel is provided in good faith, and based on my own experiences of Forest School in the UK. It is not designed to be a replacement for quality face to face accredited Forest School training, rather as a resource to support Forest School practitioners and those in training. I am a Forest School trainer, but not your Forest School trainer, therefore no training contract exists between us. Ensure you are appropriately qualified and undertake your own risk assessments before undertaking any activity with groups, which takes into account the learners age, ability and level of understanding.