Nature as a Learning Environment
As obvious from its name, a forest school values deep respect for the natural world.
Children’s daily deep interactions with the forest environment help them gain knowledge and practical skills, but also develop emotional intelligence and environmental awareness.
The forest’s changing landscape and abundant ecosystem offer hands-on, experience-based learning, triggering the children’s curiosity and creativity, and instilling a deep sense of wonder in their young minds.
As children spend their days building and exploring with friends of all ages, they learn to work together and respect each other, their educators, and the forest. These shared activities help build their independence, resilience, and vital social skills, as well as a deep sense of community and care for their natural surroundings.
In the forest, children take the lead and learn organically through play, while the educators mentor and facilitate the learning journey without dictating it. Meanwhile, the forest acts as a dynamic co-teacher, shaping and enriching the educational experience at every turn.
The approach to education in forest schools is flexible and centered on the learner, challenging traditional policies and practices. Instead of standardized testing and assessments, we focus on holistic forms of evaluation that honor each child’s unique strengths and capabilities.
A Free-Spirited Child
If a daily short walk in nature can ground us and improve our wellbeing, imagine the impact of a daily immersive experience in the forest.
Forest schools help bring up children with boundless curiosity, an untamed spirit, and a profound connection to the world.
They are confident communicators and avid listeners, constantly learning through experience and sharing with their friends rather than from textbooks. They exude a sense of inner peace, which makes them reflective, in touch with their feelings, and more capable of getting along with others.
Amidst their wild adventures, they remain disciplined navigators, respecting forest rules and educator guidance for safety and harmony. As they navigate the forest terrain and engage in outdoor play, they naturally strengthen and grow their muscles and hone their coordination skills.
Their time spent in nature fosters a deep appreciation and understanding of the environment. They grow into environmental activists and defenders of nature, passionate about preserving the natural world for future generations.
Enriched Family Life
Being a parent of a forest school child brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and positive energy into the home. As children explore and learn in nature, they bring back insights about the wonders of the world around them, sparking meaningful conversations and enriching family life.
This often leads to a personal connection with nature for the entire family. Parents find themselves drawn to the serene beauty of the forest, and as a result, the family engages in more nature-based activities together. Forest school children inspire their parents and siblings to spend more time outdoors, exploring and experimenting with the natural world.
An Engaged Community
Forest schools offer endless benefits to the community. By bringing together children, parents, and community members for environmental education and biodiversity conservation activities, they promote increased community engagement and foster a sense of civic responsibility.
Forest schools can also support the local economy through circular economies. Basing forest schools in natural environments, such as forests, meadows, and bodies of water, provides the community with greater access to these resources. This enriches educational experiences and promotes environmental care and activism.