What Is Forest School
Forest School is an outdoor educational approach that supports children to develop self-esteem, independence and confidence through child-led play in an outdoor environment. Forest school adopts a holistic approach to learning and development by offering a variety of learning opportunities. At Forest School we encourage a deep connection, respect and love for nature through play and observations all throughout the seasons. Each session is loosely planned with the children’s interests at the centre these may include activities such as build building, knot tying, fire lighting and tool use. These activities are designed to foster and grow self-confidence and develop their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills. Children as able to explore freely with the reassurance and encouragement of the Forest School leader that will always be close by.
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6 Core Principles of Forest School
Forest school is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a once-off or infrequent visits, the cycle of planning, observations, adaptation, and review links in each session.
Forest school takes place in a woodland or nature environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Forest school uses a range of learner- centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Forest school aims to promote the holistic development of all involved. Fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.
Forest school offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Forest school is run by qualified Forest School Practitioners, who continuously maintain and development their professional practice.
Forest School Encourages...
- Develops personal and social skills
- Work through practical problems and challenges
- Build confidence in decision making and evaluating risk
- Explore connection and develop relationships between humans and the natural world
- Improve their concentration
- Improve communication
- Explore the world through all the senses available to them.
Benefits of Forest School
- Develop physical abilities and help children stay active and healthy
- Promote co-operative and group working
- Foster care, appreciation, and respect for wildlife and the natural world
- Broaden knowledge and understanding of the natural world and how to look after it
