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Forest school has grown in popularity in the UK in recent years, especially in primary schools, as it gives children an opportunity to step outside of the classroom into the great outdoors. All children have a unique learning style, so it’s important for teachers to make use of a variation of learning resources to engage all of the pupils within their class. Forest school allows educators to take a holistic approach to every student’s development, promoting an active lifestyle and enhancing various skills.
At this pre-school in Oxford, Forest school is all about having fun, taking risks, and building resilience. They are given the responsibility of dressing themselves appropriately, come rain or shine, and encouraged to make sensible, informed decisions throughout. These are all skills that they can transfer back to other areas of their education to help them thrive in school. Here’s a list of some forest school activities:
- Cooking on a campfire
- Building shelters
- Climbing trees
- Hunting for bugs and animals
- Foraging
- Woodwork
- Nature arts and crafts
- Jumping in puddles and mud
- Sensory walks
Although children are encouraged to assess risks, they are closely monitored by a generous staff to pupil ratio, to ensure they are kept safe. It’s an opportunity for them to form stronger bonds with the staff and their peers, which will help them to feel more confident when they return to the classroom. As a result, they may feel more comfortable raising their hand in lessons and contributing to class discussions.
Not all children have access at home to a safe environment to learn and play outdoors, which is why it’s fantastic that schools can offer this to them. Forest school contributes to their wellbeing, as playing, experimenting, and exercising outdoors is a great way to de-stress and release “feel good” hormones. Don’t be afraid to contact your child’s school if you have any questions regarding their outdoor learning opportunities.
