What is Forest School?
Forest School is an approach to learning that takes place out in nature, where children take charge of their learning through play. As a result, they become confident, independent, resilient, and creative learners.
There are six key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos.
Long-Term
Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Forest / Nature
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Learner-Led
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning. We see the child as a capable learner. Play and choice are an integral part of the Forest School learning process,
Holistic Development
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of the children, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. Forest school provides experiences to impact the whole person.
Risk-taking
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Qualified Leader
Forest School is led by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice. They are required to hold a minimum of an accredited Level 3 Forest School qualification.
Holistic development in
Forest School
Forest School Philippines is not only focused on a learner’s intellectual ability as most traditional schools do, but provides experiences and activities to impact the whole person.
As a whole person, your child grows in these areas : physical, intellectual, language, emotional, social, spiritual.
physical
The forest provides space for your child to run, climb, jump, pick up, twirl, dance. Through movement and motor skills, your child masters and strengthens his body.
intellectual
Yes, something happens when a child plays. Pair that with being in nature, and your child’s brain is being wired for creative thinking and complex problem solving.
language
Your child can communicate and express his wonder and ideas through words.
emotional
There will be situations where your child will feel frustrated, mad, confused. In forest school, he will recognize his own feelings and that of others; when he masters his emotions, he masters himself.
social
Your child will be surrounded with friends of mixed ages. The friendships will allow him to share common interests, learn how to set boundaries, negotiate, and understand that others have different perspective than him.
spiritual
Being out in nature, your child will awe and wonder, and have a sense of place in the vastness of this life.
When each of these areas are addressed, your child can then link his experiences to the real world. What you’ll have is a
Resilient
Resourceful
Responsible, and
Resolute
child
What Does a Typical Forest School Session Look Like?
Each session at Forest School Philippines is unique. There are planned activities based on the theme for the term, but is flexible and open for changes depending on the learners’ interest in it.
Arrival. Children arrive in proper Forest School clothing.
Session begins with a reminder of safety rules. Together, children and FS leader walk to the forest.
Free play. Children choose activities they want to engage in.
When appropriate, FS leader introduces ideas or skills to support learning.
Circle time. Children gather for reflection and sharing. Stories are read or songs are sung. It’s a time to wind down to relax in preparation to go home.
These are the possible activities they will be doing :
Insect hunt • Bird watching • Splashing in puddles • Playing in mud • Learning about knots • Shelter building • Sensory games • Natural weaving • Natural art • Story telling • Drama • Singing • Safe tool use • Tree recognition • Animal tracks • Natural games • Fire lighting • Crafts • Cooking • Constructing rafts, rope swings, or pulleys • Tree climbing • Balancing • Digging •