WASHZ｜Forest School: Unleashing Limitless Growth Potential

We are delighted to?share?some good news to everyone

In March, the expert team from the Forest School Education arrived in Hangzhou from the UK to conduct a five-day Level Three Forest Mentor Certification Training Program at WASHZ Kindergarten.

This marked the first visit of the International Forest School educational team to China since the outbreak of the pandemic, with WASHZ Kindergarten being their exclusive training venue in the mainland?of China currently. Teachers from WASCZ, WASNJ and other international kindergartens in? Shanghai and?surrounding areas , also convened to exchange ideas and insights.

Testimonial

“The gains from this training were immense, providing us with a clearer understanding of how to cultivate children's problem-solving and resilience skills through a variety of techniques in the forest school setting. The opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from around the world at WASHZ Kindergarten was also an unforgettable experience.”

Testimonial

“I truly love the forest school training. It allows us to connect with nature, challenge ourselves, and cultivate resilience, confidence, and happiness. I believe integrating the forest school curriculum with the EYFS curriculum will ignite children's interest in learning.“

Part . 1

An Essential Lesson in Holistic Education

It is widely acknowledged that in Europe, forest school are regarded as an essential component of every child's early development. Ms. Sarah Blackwell, a trailblazer in forest school education, has devoted over two decades to advancing forest school curriculum and mentor training in the UK.

Prior to the widespread adoption of forest education in the UK, extensive research and evaluation were conducted by authoritative institutions. Tracking and surveying numerous children who received forest education from a young age, the ultimate conclusion was that forest education has profound positive impacts on children's cognition, physical activity, emotional well-being, and various other aspects.

In daily life, children's playful behaviors like running, climbing trees, and digging in the mud, often perceived as 'mischievous,' are seen in forest schools as manifestations of diverse 'gifts.' These may encompass reflective learning abilities, seasonal awareness, experimental learning skills, teamwork and social aptitudes, team management capabilities, ecological-cultural creativity, crisis assessment skills, and more.

Since the advent of the internet age, there has been an increasing amount of scientific research that proves and acknowledges the positive significance of forest schools.

Data from the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, USA, reveals that among the digital-native generation, 14% of children are already spending one hour per day on screens at the age of one. This figure rises to 26% among two-year-olds, with electronic device usage increasing as children grow older.

Children's rights advocate Richard Louv introduced the concept of "Nature-Deficit Disorder" in his book "Last Child in the Woods." This refers to the reduced connection children have with the natural environment due to excessive immersion in modern technology. This disconnection can lead to issues such as attention deficit disorders, obesity, and depression among children.

The healing effects of forests, in comparison to indoor teaching environments, hold profound significance for children. In nature, devoid of rigid assessment criteria, children can explore freely, fostering confidence as they follow their own inclinations.

Part . 2

Incorporating Forest Schools into?forested campuses

In the densely populated Yangtze River Delta region, numerous exceptional international schools thrive, each boasting a mature holistic education system. However, how has the relatively young WASHZ Kindergarten managed to achieve the same level and pace as European forest education?

One might argue that WASHZ Kindergarten itself is "nurtured by the forest." Situated within a corner of the expansive 80,000 square meter WASHZ campus, it is enveloped by rolling green hills, with the picturesque camping site of the Fair Lake just a 10-minute walk away.

In this woodland campus, WASHZ Kindergarten occupies a tranquil corner. Through the collaborative efforts of foreign teachers and gardeners, the outdoor space has transformed into a lush lawn that remains verdant throughout the four seasons, adorned with lemon trees, camphor trees, and a variety of colorful flowers. Fresh and crisp fruits accompany the children's growth.

One of the primary design principles of WASHZ Kindergarten is to use nature as a medium, allowing children to befriend plants and trees, and to grow freely like elves amidst the harmonious symphony of flowers and birds.

Chinese Principal of Kindergarten

Pamela Yu

Part . 3

Our Forest School Curriculums

Every week, the forest school sessions at WASHZ Kindergarten are meticulously crafted to harmonize with the seasonal transitions and natural surroundings of Hangzhou, offering a rich variety of experiences. From the tender sprouts of spring to the flourishing watermelons camouflaged amidst summer's greenery, the graceful descent of autumn leaves, and the inaugural snowfall in winter's embrace... Guided by their teachers, children observe the nuances of changing seasons, using nature's bounty as inspiration for artistic expression, and even learning outdoor cooking techniques by kindling fires.

Each session boasts a unique theme, sometimes inviting parents to participate, fostering a sense of shared learning and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Join us in discovering the captivating courses attended by the children at WASHZ Kindergarten!

The Mystery of Fire Making

Fire, bearing witness to the progress of human civilization, also showcases the beautiful synergy between humans and nature.

What rules do we need to follow when entering the forest?

How do we construct a fire-making kit?

What are the common ignition materials?

How do we use a fire striker to ignite a fire?

How do we properly use fire to cook food?

In the fire-making course, children take a significant step towards safe coexistence with nature. They acquire knowledge about safe fire use and, encouraged by parents and teachers, bravely put it into practice. They learn to successfully use a fire striker to ignite their own flames, roast delicious marshmallows and sweet potatoes, run freely on the lawn, and share precious treats with those around them.

The Wisdom Within Seeds

Seeds, much like our children, grow steadily with each passing day. In this class, teachers introduced a variety of small seeds to the children, who, with their unique perspectives, discovered the myriad shapes and forms of these seeds, while diligently studying their growth patterns and methods of propagation.

They invested time and patience in writing diaries for the seeds, took them on "journeys," and celebrated "harvest festivals" for them... Through the process of understanding, searching for, and nurturing seeds, children deeply experienced the intimate connection between seeds and human life, the boundless potential of existence, and, most importantly, learned to cherish nature and value life.

Who Spilled the Paint Palette

On a delightful autumn afternoon, under the guidance of their teachers, the children ventured into the kindergarten's courtyard nestled by the mountainside. They eagerly collected fallen leaves and flower petals, forming a circle to marvel at their colors and shapes, experiencing the rhythmic transition from summer to autumn.

With their favorite hues of paint, the children then transformed their collected treasures into vibrant representations of autumn, each creating their own unique masterpiece to celebrate the season.

Adorning the glass walls of the kindergarten are the vibrant creations crafted by the children during each forest school session, bursting with color and boundless creativity.

With every semester, a delightful array of themed courses unfolds, inspired by the gentle spring breeze, the warm embrace of sunshine, and the myriad wonders of nature. Themes such as "Awakening in Spring," "Chasing the Wind," and "Guardians of the Earth" provide the children with enchanting learning experiences.

Part . 4

Transforming 'Boisterousness' into Brilliance: A Parent's Perspective

After each Friday's forest school session, I can distinctly observe a transformation in my child upon returning home. Once a timid soul who hesitated to approach anything unfamiliar outdoors, he now brims with curiosity and a sense of adventure towards nature. Prior to exploring, he meticulously assesses the potential risks based on his experience and strategizes his approach. When joining other children for camping trips, I notice him naturally stepping up as a coordinator, effectively communicating and ensuring everyone enjoys a joyful 'treasure hunt' together. In our eyes as parents, his newfound confidence and leadership are truly endearing.

—— Parents of WASHZ Kindergarten

The remarkable transformation in children epitomizes the ideals pursued by forest schools. We aspire for our children to learn courageously and explore confidently in nature, to assess risks, and to derive valuable lessons from mistakes. Through this process, we believe they will discover their own unique and effective learning pathways.

The purpose of education is to prepare children to go out into the world and be successful.?we can see that child-led play encourages children to find their own interests, talents, and skills. when engaged in activities that children enjoy, children naturally become fully immersed, constantly surprising us with their enthusiasm. When they possess the freedom to explore curiosity, develop social skills, exhibit leadership, build confidence, demonstrate courage and responsibility, cultivate resilience, and persevere, they acquire the resilience to succeed in any future endeavor.

Excutive head of Kindergarten

Natasha Fyfe

Let's look forward to witnessing the children's continued excellence in the forest school at WASHZ Kindergarten!

Article?Evaluation

Preliminary Examination?Cassia Zhang

Secondary Assessment? Pamela?Yu

Final Appraisal?Tig Mooney ,Phoebe Wang