Forest School

‘inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self esteem through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment’(Murray and O’Brien 2005; Forest Education Initiative 2007).

A Forest school is when children are given the chance to experience outdoor learning in a woodland environment. It gives them a chance to explore the natural environment around them and gain as an individual and improve their skills.

'A key issue is that children are not able to access the outdoor environment as freely as previous generations' (Ward Thompson, Aspinall, and Montarzino 2008).

Children today do not spend as much time outdoors as they used to. This is due to the development of new technology and computer games and due to parents being scared. The Forest school gets children out of the classroom and up on their feet being active learners through hands on experience. The children are still learning what they should but in an alternative environment to what they are used to. When the children are in the woodland they experience many tasks which many children would not usually experience.

They light fires, cook and build dens. They also experience all types of weather as they go to the Forest School in all conditions. The tasks the children carry out within the environment are suited to children older but by letting the children experience these tasks then they are learning about safety, how to use tools and how to solve problems. Although the teacher helps the children when it comes to lighting a fire or carving wood they are still given freedom to do these things and experience risks for themselves. The teacher is also seen as a guide as they do not direct the children in what they are doing they simply observe and help them decide what it is they want to do but boundaries are set out which all the children are aware of.

The Forest schools are very safe as the adults go to the site before the children and check everything is safe and they keep the tools maintained. The children wear the appropriate clothing to keep them safe in this environment.

In my own opinion, I think that every school should incorporate a Forest school into their teaching. Not only does it let the children experience learning in a new environment but it teaches them many skills, some including: social, emotional, physical, co-operation skills. The Forest School may encourage children to go to school as many do not like sitting at desks they prefer to be outdoors. I also feel that children have freedom to experience danger and safety for themselves but are aware of boundaries and stick to these rules. Overall I feel Forest school benefits children and offers them a chance to experience a range of skills.

'Forest School can contribute to young people’s health by providing an important space were children can be active on a regular basis' (Bingley and Milligan 2004; Fjørtoft 2004).

References:

Bingley, A., and C. Milligan. 2004. Climbing trees and building dens: Mental health and wellbeing in young adults and the long term effects of childhood play experience. Report to the Forestry Commission.

Liz O'Brien (2009): Learning outdoors: the Forest School approach, Education 3-13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 37:1, 45-60

Murray, R., and E. O’Brien. 2005. Such enthusiasm – a joy to see: An evaluation of Forest School in England. Report to the Forestry Commission by the New Economics Foundation and Forest Research.

Ward Thompson, C., P. Aspinall, and A. Montarzino. 2008. The childhood factor: Adults visits to green places and the significance of childhood experience. Environment and Behaviour 40: 111–43.

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