The forest school concept dates back over 60 years and recognizes the fundamental human need for connection to the Earth for children’s growth and development.
Forest schools are classrooms with no walls, nature is the environment they choose to emphasize SEAL skills (the social and emotional aspects of learning), through LIL (learner-initiated learning).

Forest School is a child-led educational experience of exploration and discovery that offers opportunities for holistic growth through all-weather sessions in a natural setting. Forest Schools supports organic play, exploration, and supported risk-taking. It develops resilience and self-esteem by helping children reach their full potential in all areas of development.

Benefits of Forest Schools

“ The outdoors awakens and rejuvenates the mind and engages all the senses at once” – Angela J. Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot.

Through being in touch with nature and awaking all their senses, children are able to:

• Develop self-regulation skills and cope with and learn from failure.
• Build resilience (the skill of coping with risk and failure).
• Increase concentration and focus by being present and alert.
• Engage in problem-solving and communication skills with their peers.
• Respect others and their choices.
• Understand Team Work.
• Regulate emotions and have more emotional stability
• Engage in physical activity that promotes healthy bodies and calm minds

Forest schools are designed to inspire creativity, awe, and wonder. It helps children who have attention issues to stay focused, present, and on task. It is therapeutic and reverses the effects of too much screen time. Because being outdoors naturally relieved stress, it also supports cognitive function and allows practical skills to develop naturally.