Forest School

Forest schools are a holistic learning process; originating from Sweden in the 1950s they offer child initiated learning encouraging curiosity and the senses, spatial awareness, motor development and empowering children in the natural environment. When first initiated in Sweden the Forest schools were only offered to under seven year olds and became part of their curriculum stimulating each learning style of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic along with all areas of intelligence being given an equal opportunity in learning. Forest schools were first introduced to the UK in the 1990’s and to Wales in July 2000, the numbers of forest schools since this time has risen.

The Forest school philosophy is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experience; engaging children and motivating them to complete tasks and activities; and to develop a child’s personal, social, health and emotional skills. All forest schools are uniquely designed with the child in mind; they can include many resources to influence the child’s learning and the environment such as a tool shed, shelter and equipment to explore the surroundings. They must also be within a familiar place to the children, on school grounds or nearby so although they will be working independently they can still feel safe.

 Being in a natural environment gives the children a chance to experience learning outside of the classroom and for children in built up, urban areas to explore outside the city. Forest school activities can be linked with classroom activities, and all sessions are led by a theme. Through using these themes and links children can build social skills by working in teams and also independent skills when searching and roaming the forest themselves; within the safety of the child and the leader tools are introduced to encourage trust within the group and self-confidence. Forest Schools offer children with experience to stimulate learning, the senses and the brain, the more the brain connects with the stimulus the more able to child is to relate, problem solve and cope with life.

Studies proved that children that take part in Forest school activities are a lot happier and healthier and much more respectful of their peers than inner city children that have less concentration, inconsiderate of others, selfish and irritable. When researching Forest schools I found the concept very interesting and a good way to learn outside the classroom. When I was at primary school (those many years ago) I remember visiting the forest with my classroom and finding objects we took back to class and studied, I believe the memory and the learning experience sticks and helps build other learning.