The Forest School
Mr Gallagher
Forest School
Forest school is a child-centered approach that offers opportunities for the holistic development of everyone involved. Children will learn about nature and the environment they are in through play, exploration, and supported risk-taking. Forest school can lead to improvements in self-esteem, confidence, and cooperation through learner-led, hands-on learning experiences within nature.
Six Main Principles
Forest school is based on six main principles that were agreed upon by the UK Forest Community in 2011:
- Long-term with regular sessions – with the same group of children to show progression in their learning within physical boundaries.
- Natural environment with some trees – using natural resources for inspiration.
- Holistic development – aims to link experiences with school and/or home.
- Supportive risk taking – subject to risk/benefit process. The involvement of participation in risky play.
- Qualified and reflective practitioners – leaders to see themselves as learners too.
- Learner Led – respond to the needs and interests of the learners.
Activities:
Many forest school activities, such as climbing, balancing, tool work, jumping from heights, and hanging from structures, can be considered risky. Equally they have many benefits to the individual and should be promoted. Movements that are often considered risky play, such as swinging, climbing, rolling, and sliding, are not only fun, but they are also essential for a child’s motor skills, balance, coordination, and proprioception. The role of the forest school leader is to create an environment where children can feel safe to engage in movements and activities that fulfill their own sensory needs.