Forest School
What are the ethos and principles in a Forest School?
Forest Schools focus on the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual development of their learners. The nurturing environment encourages children to develop a positive relationship with the outdoor, natural world. The ethos of a Forest School is based on a fundamental respect for children and the encouragement of their curiosity in the world.
The Forest School Curriculum is inclusive for all children, including those with SEND.
Forest Schools believe in:
A child’s right to play.
A child’s right to access the outdoors.
A child’s right to access the natural world.
A child’s right to experience a healthy range of emotions.
Forest Schools aim to build resilience to encourage a learner’s creative engagement with other people, their environment, and their own potential. They aim to encourage self-reflection and build strong social and emotional skills that will follow them into adulthood.
Some of the benefits include:
An increase in self-belief, confidence and self-regulation
An increase in motivation and concentration
Improved problem-solving skills
Development of language and communication skills
Ability to collaborative and work with others
Encouraging creativity
Development of gross and fine motor skills
Confidence to take risks
Building resilience
Stress-relief and improved mental health and wellbeing
A greater respect for the natural world and understanding of sustainability
https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/geoj.12302
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2012435/1-3-children-climbed-tree-figures-60-watch-TV.html