Forest School, as the name suggests, is an educational program that takes place outdoors in nature. This child-centered approach ensures that lessons are tailored to the age and capabilities of the students, promoting holistic growth and development.
Forestry education encourages learning through play, exploration, and supported risk-taking activities. By engaging in hands-on experiences such as building a campfire, creating art with natural materials, or constructing a den, children can build confidence, develop valuable skills, and make lasting memories.
The Ministry of Education (M.O.E.) highlights five key benefits of Forest School:
1. Life Skills: Children engage in a wide variety of experiential activities that foster skills and experiences they can carry into the future. From foraging for wild edible plants to building bug hotels, Forest School offers a range of hands-on learning opportunities.
2. Tailored Learning: Forestry practitioners closely observe children’s interactions and interests, tailoring sessions to encourage interactive learning. This personalized approach helps build children’s self-belief and fosters problem-solving skills both individually and as a group.
3. Learn Through Play: Nature provides an ideal setting for open-ended play and curiosity-driven learning. Children can explore different materials and textures, incorporating literacy, numeracy, and science into their play in a natural and engaging way.
4. Well-Being: Learning in nature promotes well-being and healthy lifestyles, encouraging physical activity and positive mental health through increased exposure to fresh air and the natural world. It also fosters a positive relationship with wildlife, cultivating understanding and respect for the environment.
5. Inclusivity: Forest School is accessible to children of all ages and abilities, allowing each child to develop at their own pace. Children with special educational needs often find this style of education calming and inclusive, benefiting from neurodiverse learning approaches and enhanced memory recall.
The concept of Forest Schooling originated from Scandinavia and has a longstanding history in the UK. This proven approach promotes physical activity, healthier lifestyles, and cognitive growth in children.
Director of MOEducation, Ashley Wilson, emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities for adventure and self-confidence through natural learning environments. MOEducation offers a range of natural resources to facilitate learning through play across various curriculum areas, ensuring an inclusive and healthy environment for all children to grow and learn.
In conclusion, Forest School offers a unique and effective approach to education, promoting holistic development, cognitive growth, and a positive relationship with nature for children of all ages and abilities.
