Getting hands-on and learning in the natural environment is growing in popularity in schools and nurseries, with many following what is called a Forest School approach.

It may seem like a fad, but its roots go back to outdoor learning pioneers in the UK in the early 1900s and to Scandinavia, where play in natural surroundings has been seen as important since the 1950s.

Despite the name, Forest School can be held anywhere from grassy parks to woodland and beaches. It also involves regular, long-term visits. Ideally, children attend sessions all year round, so they can experience all seasons.

Sessions are held regardless of the weather as long as it is deemed safe – think of the fun and learning potential of making rain shelters, ‘writing’ in mud or experimenting with things blowing in the wind.

Through regular sessions children can experience risk and challenge and develop skills that are hard to teach in a classroom.

WHAT CHILDREN DO
It may look like your child is simply having fun outdoors, but practitioners are trained to plan, observe and adapt sessions to react to children’s interests and the ever-changing natural environment, while also building on their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Sessions are child-directed, so the range of activities that can take place are huge, but they all take advantage of natural resources and reinforce children learning to respect and care for the natural environment. These can include:

• sensory walks
• foraging
• team-building games
• hunting for minibeasts or pond dipping
• building shelters and dens
• climbing trees
• playing in puddles
• natural arts and crafts
• tying knots
• using tools for a purpose
• building and lighting fires and cooking on them.

Children are given the space to explore but, don’t worry, there are high ratios of adults to children, and early sessions establish rules which continue to be reinforced.

Using real tools and building fires can be an exciting part of the sessions but these aspects are introduced gradually to children when practitioners feel it is appropriate.

THE BENEFITS
The benefits of taking part in Forest School include children:

• undertaking practical physical activities which encourage them to be more active and help to develop gross and fine motor skills
• starting to understand and appreciate the natural world and environmental issues
• working together to complete challenges, take turns and problem-solve: How can we make a big den?
• developing communication and learning new vocabulary
• becoming resilient, independent, enquiring and creative learners
• learning to assess risks and make informed decisions: Will the branch be sturdy enough to take my weight? How do I use a mallet safely?
• learning maths skills: How many big sticks will I need to build a den?
• developing imagination and creativity: What shall I put in my ‘magic’ potion?
• learning in different ways – Forest School can appeal to children who are less engaged in the classroom, and can improve behaviour, motivation, concentration and confidence
• enjoying better levels of mental health and well-being.