Forest School

Forest schools are often described as a system of learning that allows the environment to do the teaching or a place where the usual class dynamic is altered by the environment. Forest schools are based on a Scandinavian approach to teaching which highlights the importance of children having contact with nature from an early age. As the idea of forest school become more widely known, the idea of learning outside the classroom increased across Britain rapidly.  Schools that participate with forest school send group of pupils to forest school weekly. Forest schools are run by qualified forest school leaders who are supported by teachers and assistants. Teachers are encouraged to train as forest school leaders so that the approach are a wide ranging and can be linked to the national curriculum. These can be things such as collecting twigs, making fires, playing games, etc. By doing all of this the children are using teamwork. These types of activities allow children to use all of their senses. Forest school is direct experimental learning rather than theoretical learning and the children learn by doing for themselves.

Forest school can encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences as well as developing their personal, social, health and emotional skills. Forest school is also about participating in engaging and motivation achievable tasks and activities. It also promotes the development of practical skills which leads on to developing fine and gross motor skills. Forest schools also give children the opportunity to undertake practical problem solving opportunities utilising skills taught within the classroom as well as to enrich and further extent the schools cross curricular topic based approach. This way of learning helps to greater independence and confidence and develops pupils awareness of the environment.

Four Key Areas for children of Forest School

Motivation – actual enthusiasm to go to forest school as it’s a fun and interesting place to go.

Behaviour- when working in a team to explore and play the results will reward in good behaviour because of the good social interaction whilst enjoying being out of the classroom

Attendance – If the children enjoy forest school they are more likely to have a better attendance as they have something to look forward to each time they go.

Self esteem- this is raised through achievable kinaesthetic tasks which the children will be able to complete which will then help their self esteem and confidence grow.


Below is a video showing footage shot over a period of 6 months with children the age of 3 and 4 exploring forest school.  

Reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrDkTm8eqAg
http://www.forestschoolsnpt.org.uk/
http://www.forestschoolsnpt.org.uk/about_forest.html
Forest School Evaluation Project: A study in Wales.
Liz O’Brien & Richard Murray, New Economics Foundation, 2003