Forest School Education promotes development and well-being
Posted by GeorgieMOE, 12 April, 2024Forestry Education has long been utilised across early years with many children and young people learning valuable lessons through these adventurous methods. M.O.E. share their five top benefits to Forest School learning and encourage all to embrace the outdoors, whatever the weather!
By its very name Forest School is an educational program that takes place outside in nature. It is children centred to ensure lessons are adapted to age and capability whilst offering holistic growth.
Forestry supports learning through play, exploration and supported risk taking to build confidence, skills, and hands on experiences. Many find this method of teaching more conducive to their learning style and its hands on approach more memorable, it is often possible to refer to learnings in day-to-day settings thus offering an ongoing practice and sharing.
M.O.E.’s Favourite Five Benefits to Forest School
- Life Skills
Forestry teaching is varied and experiential, it will enable experiences that will resonate with children, building lasting memories which they can take forward into their future. Activities range from building a campfire, making art with nature and creating a camp or den to foraging, bug hotels and more!
2. Tailored
Forestry Practitioners carefully observe interactions and interests of the children in their group, tailoring sessions appropriately to offer a more interactive way of learning which helps to build children’s self-belief. The great outdoors offers an engaging setting for children to learn how to solve problems both individually and as a group.
3. Learn Through Play
Nature offers a perfect open-ended environment promoting learning through play and the curiosity approach. Children can experiment with various materials and textures, from mud to pinecones, leaves to feathers – combine literacy, numeracy, science and more to incorporate the curriculum.
4. Well-Being
Learning outside in nature promotes well-being and healthy lifestyles, children become interested in the world around them which can encourage more physical activity and fresh air for positive mental health. It also promotes a positive relationship with wildlife and a responsible perspective to aid understanding and respect.
5. Inclusive
It is accessible to all, from toddlers to teens, and can be adapted to each child’s individual capability to develop at their own pace. Often SEN children find this style of education calming and inclusive with neurodiverse learning benefits and improved recall.
The concept of Forest schooling originates from Scandinavia and involves learning in an outdoor environment with a play-based approach. Forestry education has a rich history in the UK and a proven record of effectiveness, promoting physical activity, encouraging an overall healthier lifestyle and stimulating cognitive growth.
“M.O.E. is built on adventure, we want to offer products that open doors to new worlds, that build positive memories and self-confidence whilst securing foundations which will support children’s futures. Our range of natural resources promote opportunities to learn through play across the curriculum, if you can’t find what you are looking for, we can build it, giving everyone the opportunity to create an inclusive and healthy environment to grow.”
Ashley Wilson, Director, MOEducation
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