What is a Forest School?

Forest Schools have developed in this country from a project set up in Bridgewater, Somerset after practitioners visited  Scandinavia and saw their outdoor education in 1995.  A  Forest School takes place in a different setting, that is safe and  secure.  The children experience an outdoor environment where research has shown it  can develop their independence, self-esteem and social skills.  The pace is unhurried where adults support the children in their explorations  and learn together.  Forest School sessions happen all year round,  in all weathers  except for high winds. 

 

 

What do the children do?

 

Children become familiar with the wood and routines.  They learn they are safe—physically, mentally and emotionally.

Children have the time and space for play that is child-initiated and child led.  The leader suggests activities but  children can follow their own agenda.  Natural resources are used together with the children’s interests to stimulate  imaginative, creative and investigative activities.  These activities help children to take risks safely and be responsible, take care of themselves and others.  The sessions have structure and there is a break for a shared snack sitting in the log circle when there is time to reflect.  Children learn to use tools for a purpose.  They may whittle sticks, climb trees, collect things, study wildlife, listen to the birds, build dens and help light fires.  Later in the sessions they may cook  on the fire.