Introduction to Forest Schools

I tried of thinking of ways to introduce this blog and thought that simply writing out paragraphs about what a Forest School is something that is expected. Although it is a way to get a message across, it's something that can be done after the very first post. For my first post, I thought I would introduce a video as an introduction to this blog as well as on the subject of Forest Schools. Not only does it provide a picture as to what a Forest School is and looks like, it provides the viewer with important information about the a without having to read a paragraph long explanation. 

It is through this blog that I will be discussing the different aspects of Forest Schools such as the background information, different activities that can be introduced, what Forest Schools look like in practice, how to set up a Forest school and as well as the health and safety aspect of a Forest School. Not only am I using this blog to send out information, I have also created a Facebook page as well as a few Pinterest boards that may help others get a better understand of a Forest School and its approach. I have attached the links to both these other sources to the end of this post. 

Don't forget to watch the introduction video below!

Here is the video of an Introduction to Forest Schools:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptkID2k091I

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/forestschoolss

Pinterest Boards: 
http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-school-activities/
http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-schools-set-up/
http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-schools-and-training/
http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-schools-health-safety/

Defining Forest Schools

Forest schools take place in the same setting everyday for an extended period of time. Providing children with this opportunity allows them to gain a great deal about the area around them and build an ongoing connection with nature.

The Forest School curriculum is emergent, child-directed, and play based which allows learners the time and space to build their interests, skills, and understanding through both practical and hands on experiences. Within these Forest Schools, young people are able to have the freedom to explore, play, build, create, imagine, and use their senses to experience the outdoor environment while engaging with one another. Sustainability is brought into the culture of the classroom and as nature starts to become to third teacher in the room, sustainability becomes the foundation where both the children and teachers stand.

There is a strong emphasis on educators observing, learning and teaching with students when it comes to the environment. The observation process can allow children to have the space and opportunity to participate in carious activities and experiences that are guided by their own imagination instead of direction from the teachers. It can also leas to and inquiry process where the educators primary roles is to ask plenty of questions based on what the student’s own questions, experiences and their imagination. The guiding principle is that the children are competent and engaged learners. It is with the right guidance and support that the children are able to lead their own learning process in the directions they want, leading beyond what can be provided or initiated by an educator.

This information was gathered from the following website: 

http://www.forestschoolcanada.ca/home/about-forest-school/defining-forest-school

Article on Recent Developments on Forest Schools

Here is an article outlining the recents developments on Forest schools. It was a very interesting article to read. Check it out!

http://www.forestschoolsblog.com/2012/05/recent-developments-regarding-forest.html

History Behind Forest Schools

It was in the 1950’s that forest schools were introduced in Sweden, Denmark and then other European countries. It became embedded in Denmark as part of the preschool curriculum. Those who attended the Forest Kindergartens started to have strong social skills, a high ability to work in groups and had an increased level of self-esteem as well as an increase in self-confidence. It was in the 1990’s that Forest Schools was introduced in the UK and the growth in the region had been great. It was in 2008 that the first Forest School in Canada opened called Carp Ridge Forest School, which was located just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Ever since then, there has been several Forest Schools opened elsewhere in Canada, which have been very successful!

This information was gathered from:

http://www.forestschoolcanada.ca/home/about-forest-school/history-of-forest-school

Benefits of Forest Schools

With forest schools there are many benefits that a child or an adult can gain from their experiences in the outdoor classroom setting. Since there are many benefits, I have listed only a few below.

A few benefits of Forest school are:

•   Improves health (environmental, physical, emotional, mental)

•   Develops of fine and gross motor skills

•   Increases understanding of and appreciation for nature

•   Augments ecological literacy

•   Makes additional resources available for managing difficult behaviours

•   Accommodates multiple learning styles

For more benefits on Forest Schools visit: http://www.forestschoolcanada.ca/home/about-forest-school/benefits-of-forest-school

Forest School Activities

Before gathering any information on Forest Schools, I was stuck on what activities I could possibly do with the children if I were the teacher. Many teachers are used to planning activities for indoors which might make planning activities for outdoors a bit complex. As a teacher, you have to keep in mind of all the children in your class when planning your day. We need to take into account the different levels the children are at as well as any special education children. In a Forest School classroom setting, it is important to include all the children whether they are in a wheelchair, have a disability, or are developmentally delayed. Everyone is included!

I have gathered together a few interesting activities and posted them through my Pinterest Board. Check it out, these activities are even things I would do myself and I’m an adult!!

http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-school-activities/

Forest Schools in Practice: What Happens?

When in a Forest School, projects are run from their own grounds, gardens or playing fields which allow the children to become comfortable with being in an outdoor setting approach towards education and play. Before any learning can take place, it is important for the basic needs of the children are met. When talking about the basic needs of the children, Maslow’s Pyramid of Hierarchical Needs comes into view. Warmth, food, drink, and safety of the children need to be met before their learning starts and continues. The learning that the children do is done outdoors in the woods. The activities that the children partake in allow them to build teamwork skills, individual skills, and self-esteem.

Along with partaking in the learning process in a forest school, a practitioner must carry out the daily risk assessments to make sure that each member of your group has the appropriate clothing and footwear. This Daily Risk Assessment of the site will make sure that there has been no major change since the pervious visit that might cause any problems. This is recorded and taken appropriate action if it is necessary to do so.

This information was gathered from: 

http://www.forestschools.com/what-happens-at-a-forest-school/

Video on this topic is posted on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/forestschoolss

The Setup of a Forest School!

When creating a forest school, there are four stages that one needs to go through. The first stage is Identify. It is important to include your colleagues, manager and head teacher in the possibility of creating a Forest School. They will be able to provide support, advice and help to ensure that you are gaining the most out of the whole experience. To create a Forest school, you will need a qualified Practitioner, a site where the program will run from, and a group that will benefit from the regular, long term experiences as a community and within a natural space.

The second stage is Training. In order to provide the foundations to develop a Forest School for your school, group, centre or yourself, the right training needs to be done. One of the core elements of your training will provide you with the basic needs along with the appropriate resources and condition to enable learners to feel safe, comfortable and apart of the group.

The third stage is Consolidate. During this stage, you will be applying the learning you have experience during the training period and applying those to your own school or group. You will also be working with your colleagues in order to introduce the approach to leaning and development within Forest Schools. Also within this stage you will need to develop a portfolio that consists of evident that can allow you to recognize examples to where the approach of Forest School as had an impact on the learners. This portfolio can be used as your qualification evidence.

The Fourth and final stage is called Qualify.  In this stage, you will need to make sure you are equipped with the right knowledge, understanding and skills needed to become a Qualified Forest Schools Practitioner. Also in this stage you will be planning any further programs and developing the Forest School provision as well as being able to let others understand what is capable and what is needed to being their own Forest School journey. 

If you want to read more this information was gathered from:

http://www.forestschools.com/how-to-set-up-a-forest-school/

Visit my Pinterest board to view more about what the set up of a Forest School looks like: http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-schools-set-up/

Forest Schools and Training

When it comes to the training needed for a Forest School, there are four levels in which one can take. Level one is for those wanting to provide help during Forest Schools. Individuals taking this level will need little to no experience with working outdoors because it aims to build their knowledge and confidence in the safe tools and equipment that is used. Level two is for those who want to provide a support in the Forest Schools. In this level it will give you different creative ideas for activities that you can bring into the learning in your own setting. Level three allows an individual to independently run a Forest School. In this level, on will learn how to best design and run a Forest School program and how to approach and apply it in a safe and effective manner. Level four is for one who wants to train others. In this level, the individual undergoes training that will allow them to educate and guide others who are interested in learning about Forest Schools.

Any further information about these training levels can be found on the following website: http://www.forestschools.com/training/

Go to my Facebook page to view a video on Forest Schools and Training! https://www.facebook.com/forestschoolss

You can also view my Pinterest page to get more information about the training needed! http://www.pinterest.com/melicribari/forest-schools-and-training/