A forest school is defined as, ' ‘inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults
regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self esteem through
hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment’. (Murray and O’Brien
2005; Forest Education Initiative 2007).
- Increases self esteem and self confidence.
- Improves social skills.
- Contributes to development of language and communication skills.
- Improves motivation and encourages concentration.
- Contributes to children’s knowledge and understanding.
- Improves physical motor skills.
The question then is what and how do you achieve this when developing children. Do you need a forest? Is just a garden enough?
Children are extremely creative and inquisitive by nature. Allowing children time to explore as we do at Commando Kids gives them a sense of ownership as they traverse obstacles and ignite their passion for the natural world. You can observe their minds becoming engaged in the environment as they begin to seek out, play and explore. The children become present. A stick becomes a sword. A worm on the ground brings delight. It's magical. As parents, teachers and coaches we need to facilitate and encourage this. Below are some simple ways to engage your child outdoors in nature.
Ideas to get your child engaged outdoors.
- Create a flower bed together in the garden or plant a fruit tree.
- Take a weekly, daily walk in the woods and let them run free.
- Hide and Seek in the woods is a classic and the children love this one.
- Take a camping trip. Kids love camping. It also builds resilience as they have to adapt to living outside.
- Walk barefoot (Of course somewhere safe out of the city, let them feel the earth on their toes)
- Geo Cache. This is a great app for kids who love a bit of technology too. Search for local caches in the area.
- Take a picnic to the park after school and enjoy the evening.
evolutionary investigations. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Commission by the New Economics Foundation.