What is Forest School?
The Forest School initiative in the UK has developed from the Scandinavian model of outdoor play and learning, which first came to the UK in the mid-1990s. Forest School is an long term inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. True Forest School is child lead, allowing children the freedom to play, explore and take charge of their learning and risk management supported by a experienced trained Forest School Practitioner's and additional trained staff who have a constant dialogue regarding the interests of the children and what is revealed in the woods! Forest school promotes holistic learning and development, all adults and children are involved in learning -through observations, regular discussions with children and adults, creativity, flexibility and feedback. Forest School encourages emotional growth, self-esteem, confidence and independence. Forest School instills a deep respect and awareness for the natural world. Forest School is regular ongoing contact with the natural world in all seasons and weathers. An ideal session would be going outside for a walk, explore or free play with no real agenda apart for this. Being guided by what the children and adults come across along the way, these then being a spring board for opportunities to learn through: Physical activity Woodland/nature crafts and arts Games Songs Stories Bushcraft Imaginative play Wild food/cooking Ancient traditions/folklaw Circle time is very important at the beginning and end of the session to focus attention, promoting the importance of community and a chance for all to share their experiences, listen to stories learning to respect each other and nature. What is Outdoor learning? Outdoor learning is different to Forest School as it is not based in a woodland or place with trees. Outdoor Learning is a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities. Outdoor learning involves the transformation of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours through direct engagement with the outdoor environment for the personal and social benefit of individuals, families, society and the planet. https://www.outdoor-learning.org/Good-Practice/Research-Resources/About-Outdoor-Learning Outdoor learning can be linked to the National Curriculum being well planned and structured using the natural world as a tool to help understanding in certain subjects, themes and theories. Benefits of Forest School and outdoor learning Studies show a connection to nature at a young age promotes creativity, can help with resilience and improve mental health, physical well being and fosters a life long passion to care and protect nature, time spent outdoors in nature can help learning back in the classroom, improving focus, problem solving and empathy. |