Going beyond the classroom: how forest schools can enhance children's development and improve wellbeing
Marcus Adams
Creating a world where all children thrive ? Disrupting how we support children's wellbeing ? Empowering leaders to transform their approach, standing for what’s possible in every interaction.
In today's fast-paced world, where children are having less access to play and are presenting with more complex wellbeing needs, it's more important than ever to encourage them to spend time in and connect with nature.
Forest schools are a growing approach that combines effective learning and outdoor, natural environments.
Research consistently shows that children who attend forest schools are happier, healthier and more successful in both their personal and academic lives.
Just in case you are not aligned with the concept or aware of the benefits of learning through play, Dr Karyn Purvis outlined in her research:
Scientists have discovered that?it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions
What is a Forest School?
Forest schools are outdoor-based educational programmes that offer children the opportunity to learn and play in natural environments.
Forest schools have been gaining increased popularity over recent years as more providers and practitioners are recognising the benefits of outdoor education in children's learning and development.
Research has shown that children who participate in forest schools develop better physical health, emotional wellbeing and social skills than those who spend most of their time indoors.
The concept of forest schools came from Scandinavia in the 1950s and has since spread to other parts of the world, including the UK and the USA.
The idea behind forest schools is to give children the chance to experience nature and the outdoors in a way that is both fun and educational.
In a forest school, children spend their time outside, exploring the natural environment, engaging in outdoor activities and learning through play.
One of the goals of the forest school approach is to help children develop a deep connection to nature, foster their curiosity and creativity and promote their physical and emotional wellbeing.
In forest schools, children are encouraged to explore and play in the natural environment, using their imagination and creativity to learn and grow.
Forest schools are often used as part of the school curriculum, particularly in the early years, but increasingly in primary and secondary settings.
Forest schools are also known to support children develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication.
The curriculum in a forest school is quite different from that of a traditional classroom.
Instead of textbooks and lectures, children are encouraged to explore the natural environment and learn through hands-on experience.
Activities can include building shelters, identifying plants and animals, creating art with natural materials and playing games that involve teamwork and problem-solving.
What are the benefits of Forest Schools?
There are a number of reasons why children should access forest school, here are a few of the key benefits:
By providing children with opportunities to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways, forest schools can help to support children's overall health and development.
Forest schools are also a great way to encourage children to appreciate and protect the environment and they can help to foster a love of nature that can last a lifetime.
I am a huge advocate for implementing forest schools into the school curriculum and know they are absolutely a valuable addition to children's learning and life experiences.
Every school should have a forest school!
Where can I find more information?
领英推荐
Forest School Association
www.forestschoolassociation.org
The Forest School Association is the professional body and UK-wide voice for Forest School, promoting and supporting best practice, cohesion and ‘quality forest school for all’
The Therapeutic Forest CIC
www.thetherapeuticforest.org
The Therapeutic Forest CIC is a not-for-profit organisation founded by a team of therapists with a passion for the outdoors. They deliver projects in UK Forests and empower Forest School Professionals with therapeutic knowledge to enhance their practice.
Forest Schools Education
www.forestschools.com
The Forest Schools Education training team has delivered all across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the United States, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. They have supported teachers, outdoor instructors, community leaders and facilitators in their Forest Schools journey.
The most important thing to remember is to take action.?All the information in the world won't make a difference unless you put it into practice!
I really appreciate you investing the time to read my article today, especially knowing your busy schedules and your ongoing to-do lists!
I really do hope that these articles give you the practical tools to implement and make a difference to the lives of the children and families you support.
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Primary school teacher and Forest School Leader
1 年Do you have any suggestions of how I can ‘sell’ the need for Forest school for ks2 to SMT. I will obviously inform them of all the benefits etc but they seem unwilling to extend provision beyond ks1
Early Help Team Manager, TAC. Children’s Services
1 年Yes we do, the children and team love it ??
Darren Kavanagh
Director of Safeguarding and SEND at Three Spires Trust
1 年I'm super proud that one of our secondary settings uses the Forest School approach with a target group of young people; you're so right, it certainly does go beyond our primary schools (and two of our primaries are also proud providers of super Forest School provision). You're so right ... it's not just for primary schools.
Advocate for free play, support those with SEMH difficulties, nature connection and well-being from being outdoors in nature and woodlands, supporting children to be happy and getting through any worries they may have
1 年Absolutely- been doing Forest School for 8 years, what initially started as for EYFS at the school I was working in. Now, particularly over lockdown and beyond, I thoroughly believe in the therapeutic side of what it can do for young people, the SEMH benefits and also the power of play ??