What is a Forest School?

Forest Schools in the United Kingdom have been adapted from a similar concept which exist throughout Sweden and other Scandinavian countries which developed during the 1950`s.  Turkey has been employing similar concepts predating those most commonly referred to.

Subsequently during the 1990`s, the Early Years Education or småbørnspædagogik of Denmark was the inspiration to bring Forest Schools to the UK.  Here, in a similar climate to the United Kingdom, the huge benefits to the development of children were recognised and the outdoor approach to learning gained popularity. 

Research over a prolonged period found copious benefits in attending these outdoor classrooms including;

  • Improved concentration
  • Improved social skills and empathising
  • Improved co-ordination
  • Fewer sick days

 

 

Forest School is an ethos of developing the individual through a wide range of outdoor experiences. By engaging in a learner led environment, there are opportunities for developing social and emotional intelligence, which through support and guidance increases; 

 

  • Independence

  • Empathy

  • Self esteem

  • Intrinsic motivation

  • Self Awareness

  • Self Regulation

  • Social communication

The sessions involve regular periods running over a minimal period of 12 weeks in local woodlands and through small achievable tasks and play; learners are encouraged to understand responsibility and developing their own initiative, curiosity, teamwork and problem solving abilities.  They are part of a long term development which involves being outdoors in all weathers, using tools and learning about boundaries (both physical and behavioural). 

Some other elements involved in Forest Schools are;

Risk assessments are a crucial and integral part of the Forest School process, ensuring a safe environment for the learners to experience.

Practitioners visit the learners before their first visit to the woodland, to discuss what will happen, perhaps initially leading a number of activities in  the school grounds.

A small group (usually no more than 12) visit and take part in the full programme on a regular basis. 

The sessions are learner led, allowing them to explore and develop at their own pace and within their own learning styles. 

A range of activities are used in the form of small achievable tasks designed to explore a facet of their intrapersonal or interpersonal skills with the view of developing their self esteem. 

Learners develop woodland skills and the ability to work as a team, to communicate well and boost their self confidence. 

The session activities are either drawn from or can be linked to National Curriculum content. 

Employing accelerated Learning techniques and other instructional and observational skills the individuals have a targeted approach to their development as well as opportunities for emotional review.

Links to Forest School research

 

"The names are not as important as the possibilities."

 

Fallow Way