Forest School

“The Best Classroom And The Richest Cupboard Is Roofed Only By The Sky” (Margaret McMillan, C 1925)

The concept of formalised outdoor schooling is relatively new, despite its simplicity. Learning within nature has been around since the beginning of time, but the concept of the Forest School originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. In Sweden there was a concept called ‘Skogsmulle’ and this was developed in 1957 by Gosta Frohm. ‘Skog’ means wood and ‘Mulle’ is a fictional character who helps children learn to love and care for nature. Forest School was introduced to the UK in 1993 by a group of nursery nurses from Bridgewater College, Somerset. They had visited a Danish Forest School and were so impressed with the ethos and approach that they were keen to develop their own programme. Forest School has been rapidly developing in the UK and globally ever since.

Today, Forest Schools have become popular in many nations around the world, with programmes as diverse and unique as the locations, students and teachers themselves.

One can approach this learning like a classroom-without-walls, where education can be simply defined as experiential learning in, for, or about the outdoors, but can also use traditional teaching in a more hands on/holistic approach.

Benefits

There is an increasing recognition for the benefits of nature play, particularly for the early childhood years, and families everywhere are now returning to the roots of communal living and looking for a more holistic approach to education, that emphasises social and emotional skillbuilding just as much as academics.

It is believed that nature-based education is the antidote to the modern pandemics of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, depression, habitual screen time and society’s emphasis on stressful and busy schedules. The data and research show that an open-air learning environment/classroom and free outdoor play can go hand in hand with the traditional school curriculum.

At our school we also use Miley, our Forest School dog, to add a positive effect on emotional well-being, as she has an immediate and positive influence on the children’s demeanour. Interacting with dogs improves the students’ sense of responsibility, as well as teaching them nurturing skills and so much more.

The objective and benefits of forest school are for all learners to have the chance to excel in their learning, especially in calm and open surroundings led by nature as it reduces stress and anxiety, and it can provide respite /relief for over stimulated minds for the students as well as for the teacher. I believe as a teacher it gives me the opportunity/ freedom and challenge to find different teaching methods and teaching styles to deliver any subjects using mostly natural resources, making teaching more fun for the students.

Forest School Leaders

As a Forest School Leader, I aim to promote holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Children learn life skills such as the use of tools, and take their own interest of exploring the outdoors into their own hands. They will learn about the world around them, and to love and to appreciate nature and their living creatures. Forest School is for all ages and although I’m teaching across Primary, I’m hoping to extend further. This

It is believed that nature-based education is the antidote to the modern pandemics of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, depression, habitual screen time and society’s emphasis on stressful and busy schedules

is a great escape for students, and can have a positive impact for the older student’s wellbeing just as much as it does currently for the younger students.

As a practitioner I enjoy meeting with the classroom teachers to link their topics, finding different ways of delivering it the Forest School way. This is a great partnership at both ends.

Implementing Forest School And Forest School Principles In Schools

I believe any classroom can have a feel of nature by bringing in open ended resources, sensory objects, and natural materials. By bringing in some tree logs to sit on as an alternative to chairs, plants and nature sounds whilst learning brings in already an outdoor ambience. This can be done even in an urban school environment. More green spaces/plastic free/natural materials such as wood, rocks, sand, water inspired play areas also contributes to the wellbeing of children. Teachers can and should be inspired to take learning more in the outdoors and adapting their lessons to compliment this. Ultimately, the principles of Forest School aim to enhance a healthy body and minded child, with an appetite for learning and exploring.

Anna Brown, Forest School Leader, International School of London

Born and raised in Germany in the beautiful part known as the Black Forest to Portuguese Parents, I have always been passionate about the outdoors and especially the forest.

I am a fully qualified teacher at the International School of London. With over twenty years’ experience working in primary schools as a learning facilitator, PE teacher, Music & Movement teacher, Performance and Arts Coordinator and Forest School Leader. I speak three languages, namely English, German, and Portuguese. Contact details: International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London, W3 8LG Mail@isllondon.org +44 (0)208 992 5823

FS Team photo is Forest School Leader Anna Brown (left), Miley the dog, and Jason Brumpton (Right) Forest School Assistant