Welcome to the Forest!
- j-us-teducation
- Feb 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Forest Schools have emerged as a transformative approach to education, emphasising immersive, nature-based learning experiences. Rooted in Scandinavian educational philosophies, particularly the Danish Forest School Model, this approach has been adapted and embraced in the UK to foster holistic child development.
Origins and Ethos of Forest Schools
The concept of Forest Schools originated in Denmark in the early 1950s when Ella Flautau began taking her children and their friends to the forest for regular outdoor play and learning. This practice evolved into formal "walking kindergartens," emphasising child-led, play-based learning in natural settings. The success of these early programs highlighted the benefits of outdoor education, leading to widespread adoption in Scandinavian countries. The Danish Forest School Model focuses on fostering children's connection to nature, encouraging exploration, and supporting developmental growth through hands-on experiences.
Key Focus Points of the Danish Forest School Model
Child-Centred Learning: Activities are tailored to the interests and developmental stages of each child, promoting autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
Play-Based Education: Unstructured play is central, allowing children to explore, imagine, and learn at their own pace.
Holistic Development: Emphasis is placed on nurturing physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth simultaneously.
Nature Immersion: Regular interaction with natural environments fosters environmental stewardship and a deep connection to the earth.
Risk Management: Children are encouraged to assess and take appropriate risks, building resilience and decision-making skills.
Benefits of Forest Schools
Engaging in Forest School programs offers numerous advantages:
Cognitive Function: Exposure to natural settings enhances concentration, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Studies have shown that children in these programs often exhibit improved cognitive outcomes.
Creative Thinking: The unstructured nature of outdoor play encourages imagination and innovation, as children interact with diverse natural materials and scenarios.
Social Skills: Collaborative activities like building shelters or group games promote communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
Understanding of Nature: Regular engagement with the environment instils ecological knowledge and a sense of responsibility toward conservation.
Well-Being: Time spent outdoors is linked to reduced stress levels, improved mood, and overall mental health benefits.
Self-Esteem: Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges in a supportive outdoor setting boosts confidence and self-worth.
Problem-Solving Skills: Navigating natural terrains and engaging in exploratory tasks enhance critical thinking and adaptability.
Core Principles of Forest Schools
Forest Schools operate on foundational principles that distinguish them from traditional educational models:
Long-Term Process: Learning unfolds over extended periods, allowing for deep exploration and relationship building with the environment.
Nature-Based Setting: Sessions are conducted in forests or natural spaces, providing dynamic and ever-changing learning environments.
Holistic Approach: Education addresses the whole child, integrating physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
Structured Risk-Taking: Children are supported in taking calculated risks, fostering resilience and self-assurance.
Impact and Statistics
Research indicates that children participating in Forest School programs experience significant developmental benefits. For instance, a study by the New Economics Foundation evaluating two schools in England and Wales found improvements in confidence, social skills, communication, motivation, physical skills, and environmental knowledge among young children.
A Typical Day…
A typical day in a UK Forest School is centred around exploration, play, and hands-on learning in a natural setting. While each session may vary depending on the season, weather, and the needs of the children, the core structure often follows a similar pattern.
Morning Routine and Welcome
The day begins with a gathering at the designated outdoor site, such as a woodland area, meadow, or school forest. Children are greeted by their Forest School leader and are encouraged to take note of their surroundings—perhaps observing the weather, seasonal changes, or animal tracks. A short circle time might include a song, a story, or a discussion about the day's activities.
Exploration and Free Play
Children are given the freedom to explore the environment at their own pace. They might:
Climb trees and balance on logs
Search for insects and learn about habitats
Collect natural materials such as leaves, sticks, and stones for creative projects
Engage in imaginative play, like building dens or pretending to be woodland explorers
This time allows children to develop independence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
Guided Activities and Skill-Building
Forest School leaders introduce hands-on activities that align with the children's interests and developmental needs. Activities might include:
Shelter Building – Learning how to construct a den using branches and tarpaulin
Fire Lighting and Outdoor Cooking – Safely using flint and steel to start a fire and cooking simple snacks like toast or marshmallows
Whittling and Tool Use – Using age-appropriate tools to carve wood or create crafts
Nature Art and Crafts – Making leaf prints, clay sculptures, or natural collages
Bug Hunts and Nature Identification – Using magnifying glasses to study insects, plants, and fungi
Snack and Reflection Time
Children gather around a fire circle or a seating area for a snack, often something cooked over the fire. This is a time to rest, chat, and reflect on what they have enjoyed or learned so far. Storytelling or mindfulness exercises may be incorporated to encourage relaxation and connection with nature.
Group Games and Problem-Solving Activities
After the break, children often participate in cooperative games that build teamwork and communication skills. These could include:
Treasure hunts or scavenger hunts
Obstacle courses using natural materials
Team challenges like transporting water without spilling it or constructing a bridge across a small stream
End-of-Day Reflection and Closing Circle
Before heading home, children come together to share their experiences. They might discuss:
What they discovered
What challenges they faced
What they want to explore next time
A closing song, gratitude exercise, or simple mindfulness moment often concludes the session. Children leave feeling accomplished, refreshed, and more connected to nature.
A day at Forest School is a blend of structure and freedom, allowing children to develop resilience, confidence, and a love for the natural world. Through hands-on experiences and play, they gain skills that support their emotional, social, and cognitive growth in a way that a traditional classroom setting cannot replicate.
Conclusion
While Forest School offers a wealth of benefits—boosting confidence, creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature—it also raises an important question:
Is Forest School right for all children?
Some children thrive in outdoor, unstructured learning environments, while others may prefer the predictability and structure of a traditional classroom. Factors such as a child's personality, learning style, and comfort with outdoor exploration all play a role in determining whether Forest School is a good fit.
Would your child enjoy hands-on, nature-based learning, or do they prefer more structured, indoor settings?
How does your child respond to challenges, problem-solving, and risk-taking?
Would they benefit from increased outdoor time, social interaction, and self-directed play?
Every child is unique, and while Forest School can be an enriching experience for many, it may not be the ideal learning environment for all.
What do you think—would your child thrive in a Forest School setting?
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