Into the Woods: 4 reasons you should implement Forest School

A Forest School session might look something like this: a group of children clad in their walking shoes explore the local woodland. One child crouches, entranced by a caterpillar inching along the ground whilst another investigates the cracks in the bark of a tree trunk. You might catch them climbing, building, observing, playing, it’s completely hands-on and nature focused.

Adults carving out time to explore the outdoors with children is not necessarily new but the more concrete concept of ‘Forest School’ came about during the middle of the 20th century. Denmark for example saw an emergence of ‘Naturbørnehavens’ in the 1950s, ‘Bush Kindergarten’ was introduced in Australia in 2011, and it took off in the UK after a group of educators visited a Danish Forest School in 1993.

There are schools who solely deliver Forest School education around the world and it seems as though the number of more traditional establishments permeated by the learning style is rising. Peruse Twitter and you’ll find an abundance of teachers posting photos of their students enjoying dedicated Forest School sessions. We’re not saying you should throw away the textbooks just yet, instead open your mind to the opportunities and benefits that come with learning about the natural world.

It’s learner-led

Leaner-led education fosters independence and increases self-esteem. Allowing children to take the reins boosts their sense of self and can ignite a real passion for learning in turn. Although teachers and leaders plan the framework of the outdoor session in advance, they ultimately act as a guide and facilitator. If students exhibit a particular interest and zeal for a plant or animal, this could then lead to a spontaneous, deeper exploration of that thing.

This sense of discovery increases engagement and as the children realise the lesson is progressing according to their interests and opinions, they understand their voices are being heard. Freedom of choice is powerful. Plus, a feeling of camaraderie is sure to be shared by the learners as they explore the landscape together. Observe a child partaking in Forest School and you might just witness their curiosity and zest for learning bloom.

It’s flexible and ever-changing

Whereas classroom learning can feel more rigid and is rigorously planned, the Forest School alternative bends to the will and seasons of nature. If outdoor learning is implemented consistently and over a long period of time, children are able to form a relationship with the natural world as they understand how weather and time affects plants, animals and insects. They are able to construct a fuller picture of their environment, as well as understand the challenges and changes it faces. This will hopefully perpetuate a desire to care for nature too, aiding their emotional development.

Moreover, the diversity of natural landscapes allows teachers to choose relevant subject matter and mix up the outdoor lesson plan accordingly. Learning about rivers in geography? Head to a local one to explore the water and wildlife. Going over plant cells in biology? Venture to a nearby park and study the leaves on offer. If it’s raining, you might opt to skip the outdoor session, or, that might be the perfect time to take things outside to observe how a downpour affects nature. Make Forest School compliment the curriculum, make it bring what’s learned in class to life.

It’s a change of scenery

Experiencing a range of natural backdrops is stimulating for children. Forest School provides plenty of fresh material to keep them captivated and is unlikely to become repetitive. Even getting outside for an hour during the teaching week, or at home during weekends, enlivens their usual routine and gives children something to look forward to when practiced regularly.

Of course classroom learning is vital for a child’s educational success but sitting within the same four walls can make the mind switch off. Going outdoors injects some excitement back into the learning day. The sounds, smells, and textures of nature offer plenty of sensory experience not found sitting at a desk. You can also blend indoor and outdoor learning by bringing what you explored outside, inside. Be guided by one of our free resources (our Climate Champions pack is a good fit) or a nature-themed mini challenge, like this one. Introduce the ideas when outside and complete the activities once you’re all back indoors with pen and paper to hand.

Remember going outdoors is not only refreshing for the brain, it’s also good for the body. Children are able to stretch their legs and then some whilst navigating all kinds of terrain. The addition of physical activity makes Forest School learning even more beneficial.

It’s a potential stepping stone to a career

Forest School gives a child the chance to dive into a subject not typically taught in the classroom, which could lead to the pursuit of higher education and even a career in that area. Outdoor learning aims to create a lifelong appreciation of nature as it helps shape a child’s perception of the world during their formative years. A child who absolutely thrives during Forest School sessions may well go on to become an ecologist or marine biologist. Equally, a child who develops a love of all things outdoors could become a ranger, tour guide, or even teach the next generation of Forest School students!

Several of our invention challenges have focused on our natural world and their winners have often honed in on one environmental topic or problem, demonstrating how much it has affected them. For example we brought Enalgae, by Arthur and Frida from London, to life as part of our Climate Champions challenge. The device converts the hydrogen produced by algae into sustainable energy and can turn the algae itself into 100% biodegradable plastic. Arthur and Frida’s interest in an environmental problem led to an exciting opportunity and a unique experience that they pursued independently.

It’s safe to say that Forest School is a winning formula for meaningful learning and a method you should absolutely incorporate into your existing pedagogical approach. If you find yourself in command of a troupe of inquisitive kids, know that so much value lies beyond the classroom door.

Now go explore.