From Roots to Canopy: Forest School Education
Urban Adventurers’ after-school and holiday program is inspired by Forest School principles, and our lead educator, Pascale, is trained as a Forest School educator. Today, Forest School has woven itself into the educational fabric of countless countries worldwide. Its global canopy shelters children from all walks of life, providing them with an immersive and enriching learning experience. From bustling urban centres to country-side towns, Forest School has proven to be a versatile and universally impactful educational approach.
Ever wonder what Forest School is? In this blog we summarise Forest School teaching principles.
1. Long-Term, Season-Embracing Learning 🌳⏳
At Forest School, it's all about embracing the long haul. This isn't a one-time nature fling; it's a committed relationship with the great outdoors. Programs run regularly, ideally every other week, allowing kids to experience and learn from the ever-changing canvas of nature through all its seasons.
2. Woodland as a Classroom: Nature's Teaching Assistant 📚🍃
The idea is simple yet profound – learning in a woodland or natural environment. While the ideal Forest School setting is amidst the whispers of trees, the magic of nature works, even in spaces with just a few trees. The goal? To harness these natural settings as powerful learning tools.
3. A Symphony of Ecology and Learning 🌍📈
We’re not just visitors; we’re caretakers of these natural spaces. Forest School programs are designed to be sustainable, minimizing ecological footprints. Forest Schools continually assess their impact and work closely with learners to maintain a healthy, thriving environment.
4. Cultivating a Love for Nature ❤️🌲
Forest School is about fostering a deep, personal relationship with nature. Forest Schools believe that regular, meaningful experiences in the wild encourage lifelong, eco-friendly habits and attitudes among kids, staff, and the wider community.
5. Holistic Development: Crafting Well-Rounded Individuals 🧘♂️🎨
The aim is to nurture the whole child. This means integrating physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and spiritual growth into programs. Forest Schools link these experiences to their lives beyond the forest, enriching their overall development.
6. Supported Risks: Safely Daring to Explore 🚀🔒
Supported risk-taking is vital. Forest Schools provide opportunities that are aligned with each child's intrinsic motivation and developmental stage. Using tools and fires is part of this learning, always backed by thorough risk assessments.
7. Qualified and Reflective Practitioners 👩🏫🌟
Forest School leaders are not just educators; they're learners too. They hold specific qualifications and maintain a high adult-to-child ratio. They’re continually reflecting on and evolving their practice to provide the best learning experiences.
8. Learner-Centered Approach: Building a Community of Learners 🌈🤝
Forest Schools adopt a learner-centered pedagogy, responsive to the unique needs and interests of each child. Play, choice, and the freedom to explore are central to our approach. Through reflective practice, both children and practitioners gain insights, fostering a thriving learning community.
9. Observations: The Compass for Tailored Experiences 🧭✏️
Continuous observation of learners is key. It informs our planning, ensuring that each session is tailored to the children's developmental needs and learning styles. It’s about crafting experiences that are as unique as each leaf in the forest.
The Magic Continues in Your Backyard
The widespread global presence of Forest Schools is a testament to the universal appeal of connecting children with nature. When your adventurer joins our after-school or holiday program, they will be part of a worldwide movement that believes in the transformative power of nature's classroom. 🌍🌳
