Forest School Knowledge Flashcards
What is the Forest School approach to learning?
Forest schools in an inclusive, child-led practice that focuses on holistic child development. It uses a long-term process of delivering lessons in a natural environment and aims to develop resilient, confident, independent and, self-motivated learners through child-centred, risky play where children must solve problems and work with others.
How does Forest School help develop children in a holistic way?
The child is seen as a whole and not in separate parts. Forest School aims to develop a child physically through movement and kinanaesthesia which also improves health and well-being. Children develop intellectually through thinking and problem solving, understanding and reflecting on what works and what doesn’t. Linguistically children develop through verbal and non-verbal communication and methods to express ideas. Teamwork and group play help children learn social cues, body language and, emotional regulation. Independent play can teach independence and confidence in their own ideas, while also giving them the opportunity for self-reflection consciously and unconsciously. all while connecting them to our world and nature.
What are the limitations of Forest School?
Taking children out in all weathers can of course be really challenging and not all will want to join in. But it’s important to implement work on ourselves as practitioners to always bring a positive engaging attitude that will be infectious for the children, inspiring them to overcome discomfort and join in.
Also, I would say the risky play and children being exposed to some unhygienic situations may worry parents and some children, so it’s ensuring we create a safe and encouraging environment for all stakeholders to feel safe to able to participate.
