When it comes to modern-day childcare centres, the inclusions that they offer families and children is ever-growing. What about forest schools? What are they exactly and what are the benefits to choosing a centre that offers this? Throughout this post, we’ll share what a forest school is and the benefits that it can provide.

What is a forest school?

You may or may not have heard of the term forest school before. Forest schools are centred around nature play for children. A big part of their learning will include spending time outdoors exploring and investigating their surroundings and through nature, they will learn technical, personal, and social skills, all of which are essential to a child’s development.

Benefits to a forest school

When it comes time to enrol your child into daycare, you are spoilt for choice. Here are all the reasons why you should consider a forest school:

Instils confidence

By encouraging children to take controlled risks, you can help them realise their abilities and give them the confidence to try new things. This starts off with small steps such as allowing them to play with different textures such as sand, dirt, or mud, and as the child’s confidence grows, you can continue to introduce new things such as climbing and exploring their surroundings.

Sparks their imagination

Most parents will tell you that there has been a time when you buy your child a new flashy toy only to discover they love the box that it came in more than the actual toy. Being creative and using our imaginations is something that comes naturally, and imaginative play can help a child with their developmental skills. It is unstructured and allows them to express their personalities. What better way to do this than a forest school that features endless nature-inspired options?

Improve physical skills

Physical activity is a big part of a daycares curriculum regardless of whether it is a regular school or forest school. The difference with a forest school is the physical activity is done in a more challenging environment. Rather than having a flat uninterrupted area to run and play, forest schools usually feature tree roots, logs, and rocks that the children have to manoeuvre around. This requires a certain level of skill, and it encourages children to learn how to get around in this kind of environment.

Learning in an informal setting

To keep young children engaged and participating in their learning, it needs to be fun. Learning outside in nature is an informal way for children to learn their essential skills such as counting, colours and shapes. Traditional methods can be used along with inspiration from nature around them. We all know that not all children learn the same, some are good academically, and others are good at sports. Forest schools allow children to focus on their strengths rather than taking a one shoe fits all approach to education. Children can learn hands-on about the environment and how it works every day. This style of learning simply cannot be matched by a traditional school.

Burns off excess energy

Exploring, learning new things, and partaking in physical activity for a good part of the day requires a significant amount of energy which can lead to a more restful night’s sleep. Being active and outdoors can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, muscles and can help to improve balance and coordination.

Work as a team

Forest schools have an emphasis on teamwork which can help with communication skills, taking turns, listening to others, and formulating ideas together as a group. This can build connections and trust with others and create a sense of belonging. Working as a team is a continuous process that is supported by the educators who will set age-appropriate tasks within a nature-based setting. Being able to work as a team player is beneficial to a child’s development and growth.

It is fun

Probably one of the more important benefits of a forest school is that it is fun. If your child is having fun, they’ll be more likely to participate in their learning, interact with their peers and enjoy their time while at the centre. If your child is not having fun, this will translate into every aspect of their day.

Evokes the senses

A forest school provides the ultimate sensory experience for children. Textures such as mud, water, sand are an everyday occurrence, along with smells, sounds from birds, and new and exciting things to look at and explore every day. There is no time to get bored as little minds are constantly stimulated by their surroundings. Sensory play has numerous benefits such as supporting language development, improving motor skills, encouraging problem thinking, and can even promote nerve growth in the brain.

Most kids love being outdoors, even from a very young age, there’s something about being outside amongst nature that brings about a sense of calmness. The great thing about it is no two days are the same, there’s always something new, exciting, and different to look at or explore. If you have been considering a forest school for your child, contact us here at Little Saints and one of our friendly team members will happily answer any questions you have. Our centre is located in an idyllic rural setting in Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast and is perfect for adventuring, having fun and making friends.