Exploring Alternative Teaching Methods: A Spotlight on Forest Schools

Can you imagine a school where children are not bound to the classroom, but their imaginations run wild, and they spend their days exploring the forest, climbing trees, and enjoying the fresh, earthy air. This is the world of Forest schools, where nature is the classroom, and the possibilities of the outdoors are unmatched. It’s more than just playtime but is a powerful way to boost a child’s education and well-being. One amazing nursery in Helsinki has stood out, showing us how this outdoor education model is nurturing healthier, happier, and more resilient kids, one muddy boot at a time.?

A Glimpse into The Outdoor Lifestyle??

In the Finnish capital, the Hopealaakso nursery offers an innovative approach to early education where kids aged three to five spend their school days exploring, playing, and learning in nature. The forest group at this nursery is made up of 21 children, who are constantly supervised by three teachers. Their teachers are their guides, wearing high visibility jackets for safety, and the group are taught to always keep them in sight.??

The Finnish name for this remarkable class is “Samoojat” which is an old Finnish word used to describe people who forage in the forest. A beautiful testament for these young students pushing boundaries every day.??

Three days per week (Monday to Wednesday), the Samoojat group treks through the woods to their base camp (carrying their backpacks with no complaints!), where they spend about 7 hours of their day outdoors, regardless of the weather. Much of their routine includes free play, where they build, climb, and discover the magic of nature. Lunch is enjoyed in an open shelter, and naps are taken in tents, making nature an integral part of their daily life.?

Thursdays are reserved for a trip in their nearby area, and Fridays, their “nest days” are the only days spent within the Nursery. Not even the freezing winter temperatures bring these adventurous days to a stop, and the children embrace the seasons with enthusiasm, and the right gear. Cold weather means thermal layers and snowsuits, but their real secret to warmth is movement! From snowball fights to skiing and sledding, the children are always on the go, learning to stay warm by staying active. Their teachers take responsibility to ensure they’re well-equipped and constantly moving, proving that winter is just another playground for these resilient kids.?

This article by the BBC gives a great insight into the daily lives of students at this remarkable school.??

The Magical Outcomes??

This innovative and unique learning environment has proven to make a significant impact on students. They spend most of their day exploring and engaging in activities that promote problem-solving and hands-on learning, giving young children the opportunity to grow emotionally and physically. Children in this environment quickly develop a unique resilience to their environment and form a deep connection with the natural world around them. Physical activity keeps them healthy and strong, while free and unstructured play fosters creativity and confidence that is sometimes difficult to develop in a traditional classroom. Being outdoors also teaches them the value of teamwork and cooperation, as they navigate the challenges of the forest together. This unique approach to learning nurtures well-rounded, happy children who are better equipped to handle life's ups and downs.?

The article also describes the additional benefits on these students' immune systems, with studies showing how interaction with nature can hugely benefit immune health and prevent illness. The Finnish Nursery demonstrates how effective this method can be, especially when incorporated into early childhood education. The Nursery has seen improved health outcomes among its students, alongside enhanced social and emotional development.?

Most importantly, these kids are happy and having fun, whilst learning how to respect and care for the environment. Parents have noticed significant differences in their youngsters, who once threw tantrums before school, now waking up for the new day with excitement.?? The group's lead teacher describes, “Their eyes light up when we set off for our base camp in the morning. And when they go home in the afternoon, they don't want to go to the playground. They keep asking their parents to go to the forest instead. They are children of the forest."??

Potential For Forest Schools in the UK??

The idea and concepts that drive these forest schools are taking the world by storm, and not only in Scandanavian countries. Outdoor learning is quickly becoming popular in many school curriculums, especially when it comes to early years students. Interest in this model is seeing more growth in the UK, with many educators and school leaders starting to recognise the value of outdoor learning, especially due to the increasing concerns of children's mental and physical health.??

Many schools in the UK are making the most of their outdoor spaces, although implementing more aspects of Forest School in education could be a game-changer. This shift doesn’t need to be drastic, even small changes could see some significant benefits.??

Schools could start by dedicating specific days to outdoor learning, and gradually integrating Forest School principals into the curriculum. Partnerships with local parks, nature reserves, and community gardens could provide the necessary resources and support to make this a reality.?

Forest schools offer a promising future to the way we view education, with incredible benefits for children's health and well-being.? Forest schools first arrived in the UK in 1993 and have only grown in popularity since. As more schools explore this learning model, we may see a significant shift towards more holistic and nature-based education.??

For more insights on the history of forest schools in the UK, read this article by the Forest Schools Association.?

By learning from the success of these inspirational teaching methods, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our students!?