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Forest School and Outdoor Learning
At Longfields we are continuing to develop our Forest School and Outdoor Learning area that all children can have access to as part of their everyday curriculum. Currently our EYFS teacher and leader (Miss Want) is Forest School trained. Each week all Early Years children attend a Forest School session.
What are the benefits of Forest School
and Outdoor Learning?
By children engaging in the natural, outdoor environment it can help build confidence, sensitivity, resilience and curiosity. At the same time children learn to assess, appreciate and take risks, making sensible, informed decisions about how to tackle the activities and experiences they encounter.
There are many lifelong benefits to Forest School. Muddy Days highlight the following benefits.
Self Confidence
Forest School helps children to grow in confidence as a result of the freedom, time and space they are given in their learning in the great outdoors. This allows them to demonstrate independence at their own pace.
Social skills
Activities such as sharing tools and participating in play help teach the children to work together as a group, which strengthens their bonds and social ties.
Communication
The sensory experiences provided by Forest School’s helps prompt language development. Improving communication skills has a positive effect on a child’s self-esteem and is a crucial part of their development.
Motivation and concentration
High levels of interest lead to high levels of attention. Spending time in the woodland is exciting for a child. It tends to fascinate them which develops a strong will to participate and concentrate over long periods of time.
Physical skills
The increase in outdoor activity is bound to have a positive physical impact. Not only does the development of physical stamina improve but also gross and fine motor skills.
Knowledge and understanding
Children develop an interest in the great outdoors and respect for the environment. Encouraging children to develop a relationship with the natural world will help in protecting the environment for generations to come.
New perspectives
Forest School isn’t just beneficial to children it is also beneficial to teachers. Observing their class in a different setting allows them to gain a new perspective and understanding of their class.
Ripple effects
When children really engage with Forest Schools they will take their experiences home to share with friends and family. This will often encourage families to visit their local woodlands more frequently.
Levels the playing field
Taking children outside of the classroom removes the pressures of academia and allows them to play to their strengths. This is beneficial to children who struggle in the classroom because there is more of an opportunity for them to learn at their own pace.
Enjoyable for the children
Forest Schools are fun! It is educational whilst also allowing children to play, explore and discover. Children who participate in Forest Schools are generally observed to be happier. The fresh air, the excitement, getting mucky – it doesn’t get child friendlier than that.
The Forest School approach to learning helps children to develop their growth mindset – believing in their own ability to learn and change, developing resilience and independence, making their own decisions and being prepared to make mistakes in order to learn.
What is the difference between Forest School and Outdoor Learning?
Forest School is child led where children can explore the outdoor environment and make choices about their learning. The role of the Forest School leader is to observe and support the natural curiosity of the children to further their learning. Outdoor Learning is adult led where the teacher will already have the initial idea and the outcomes for the children to follow.
As a school we are really excited about developing our outdoor area to enable children more opportunities to explore and learn outside.
