Forest School
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a long term programme run by specially trained professionals designed to build children's confidence, self-esteem and independence skills. Forest School is child led, so although there is always a plan and a theme for each session, the outcome for each child is dependent on them, their interests, needs and confidence levels. Forest school has many benefits for the children. Being active outdoors helps to improve their physical health, working with others they improve th
eir communication and collaboration skills and by developing their own ideas they build problem solving skills, independence and confidence.
Each session always starts with some games, teaches a new skill, builds on previously learned skills and has lots of time for the children to be creative. The session flows naturally and is very active. Children may choose to work in different ways - on their own, with a partner or in a small group.
Forest School at Strathmore
At Strathmore, each class will have Forest School sessions with a trained Forest School Leader. We have a dedicated Forest School area in the grounds which we are continually adapting. We have a log circle, a mud kitchen and a quiet area. We can make dens, swings and nature crafts.
Children will attend Forest School whatever the weather, we can provide waterproofs, but waterproof footwear, like wellies, must be worn in wet weather.
Some of the benefits to children:
- Hands-on learning
- Improves ability to manage self.
- Improving physical health
- Improves fine and gross motor skills
- May instill a future desire to protect the environment
- Able to succeed regardless of ability
- Practical problem solving
- Builds resilience and curiosity
- Learns about the world around them
Example of progression in skills in our Forest School sessions:
EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
Establishing boundaries and introducing site.
Benefits: Improves ability to manage self. | Establishing boundaries and routines
Benefits: Improves ability to manage self. | Establishing boundaries and expectations, what they want to do and learn
Benefits: Improves ability to manage self. Child at centre of own learning. |
Establishing boundaries and introducing site. scavenger hunts and hide and seek.
Benefit: Puts the child at the centre of their own learning; children being allowed to explore the world with appropriate support | Learning outdoor games and skills 1,2,3, where are you?
Benefits: Improves fine and gross motor skills | Outdoor games and skills, shelter and den making
Benefits: Practical problem solving Builds resilience and curiosity |
Fairy homes & dragon dens
Benefits: Hands-on learning and using imagination | Not a stick! Stick hunt, | Knot tying |
Dragon dens / nest building
Benefits: Improves fine and gross motor skills | Joining sticks, making a stick man | Stick craft |
Natural art / leaf crowns
Benefits: Learns about the world around them | Clay faces | Plant ID |
Log dogs Benefits: Practical problem solving | Tamper art (hammers) | Fire lighting |
