Inspired by Scandinavian Forest Schools and German Waldkindergartens, Forest School helps students build interpersonal skills like teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.
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Traditional Forest School takes place instead of Traditional Brick and Mortar Public Schools. They are a home-school or private school alternative to public education. While this option isn’t for everyone, there are ways to bring the fundamental tenants of Forest School into public school or your everyday life after school and still reap the benefits of learning in the great outdoors.
What Are Forest Schools?
Forest Schools are a type of early childhood education that takes place in forests or woodlands. The curriculum is fluid, focusing on learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” – Forest school mantra
Instead of teaching your children about nature and the great outdoors, act as a guide and fellow nature explorer by using any of these activities as a starting point for your day to day adventures in learning.
Supported risk-taking
Environmental literacy: Students learn about nature and the world around them. They grow a better understanding and appreciation for the wilderness
Forest School Activities
Here are a handful of free Forest School activities that we have discovered around the internet that your children are sure to love.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Activities for kids
- Math in Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- How to go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt with Kids {FREE Printable!}
Nature Study ideas for kids
- Learning to read signs on a trail
- Printable Nature Journal with Creative Prompts for Kids
- Draw the Missing Half: Leaf Art Study
- Printable nature bingo cards
- Measure leaves.
- Find out what lives in soil.
- Make nature shapes.
- 14 Fun Outdoor rainy day play activities for kids
- Garden Xylophone Outdoor Music Activity for Kids
- Build your own family tree.
Field Trip ideas for kids
Go on a field trip with the kids for even more outdoor learning fun!
- Apple Orchard Field Trip
- Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
- Get Lost In a Corn Maze
Outdoor Gardening activities for kids
A garden is also an amazing place for children to plant the seeds of their own learning. Early literacy, math, and science concepts are found in abundance in the garden.
- Plant Flowers with Kids
- How to Plant a Tree
- Composting with Kids
- How to Start Tomatoes
- Growing Sunflowers with Kids
- How to Make a Fairy Garden
Awesome nature art and craft ideas that you can try with your children
Best books for nature-loving children
A Forest Days Handbook: Program Design for School Days Outside
Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Learning
Forest School in Practice: For All Ages
Forest School and Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
