Why Forest School?

Since the dawn of humankind, children have been learning in nature. Children are born into this modern world still wired to learn in the same ways and context that children have always historically learned. But starting with the industrial revolution, we have plucked them out of their natural learning environment and placed them into an artificially constructed environment in which their DNA does not easily recognize. It has been argued that this disconnect is behind the high rates of anxiety and depression in children these days.

Forest Schools are part of a wider global movement that seeks to more closely align education with child development. Along with progressive educational approaches, such as Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia, Forest Schooling seeks to provide children with a nurturing environment in which they can optimally grow and thrive.

Forest schools provide a sensory-rich environment in which children become highly-engaged, enthusiastic learners. Through countless opportunities to play in nature, children naturally develop detailed and intimate knowledge of the natural landscape around them; learn about who they are and their place in the world; practice and hone their social skills; develop their creativity and outside-of-the-box thinking, while becoming more physically and mentally resilient. Nature also has a calming effect on children of all ages, providing a nurturing, peaceful space for learning and personal growth.

As Mr. Rogers so aptly stated, “play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Nowhere is the intrinsic learning aspects of play most evident and easily provoked than when children play in humanity’s original classroom: nature.