Wondering Wild
Inspire, Nurture, Grow
Forest School
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a learner-centred or child-led process with close links to regular curriculum objectives.
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.
By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.
The Six Key Principles to Forest School Sessions
- Regular Sessions: Forest School is a long term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
- Woodland Setting: Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
- Community: Forest School uses a range of learner centred process to create a community for being, development and learning.
- Holistic Development: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- Opportunity to Take Risks: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves.
- Qualified Practitioners: Forest School is run by qualified Forest School Leaders who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
The Benefits of Forest School
- Changes in self-esteem and confidence
- Improve physical skills
- Increase motivation for learning and improved concentration
- Co-operation as part of a team teaches children to be aware of others
- Improve language and communication skills
- Improve relationship with and understanding of the outdoors
- Enhance numeracy and literacy skills
Laura is a member of the Irish Forest School Association and continues to develop her practice through continuous professional development in the areas of nature connection and facilitation.
Wondering Wild 