Explore Nature: Forest School Sessions for Children

Children today spend more time indoors than ever before, often glued to screens and missing out on the natural world around them. Forest school sessions offer a refreshing alternative by encouraging children to explore nature, develop practical skills, and build confidence in an outdoor setting. These sessions provide a unique learning experience that combines play, creativity, and discovery in the forest environment.

Forest schools are designed to foster a deep connection with nature while supporting children's physical, emotional, and social development. This blog post explores what forest school sessions involve, their benefits, how they work, and practical tips for parents and educators interested in this approach.

A child constructing a shelter during a forest school session

What Are Forest School Sessions?

Forest school sessions are outdoor learning experiences where children spend regular time in woodland or natural settings. Unlike traditional classroom lessons, forest schools focus on child-led activities that encourage exploration and hands-on learning. Children might climb trees, build shelters, identify plants, or observe wildlife, all under the guidance of trained forest school leaders.

The sessions usually take place weekly or biweekly and last several hours. The goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where children can take risks, solve problems, and develop independence through nature-based play.

Why Forest Schools Matter for Children

Modern lifestyles often limit children's exposure to nature, which can affect their health and development. Forest schools address this gap by offering:

• Physical activity: Climbing, running, and balancing improve strength, coordination, and motor skills.

• Emotional well-being: Time outdoors reduces stress and anxiety, promoting calmness and happiness.

• Social skills: Group activities encourage teamwork, communication, and empathy.

• Creativity and problem-solving: Open-ended play sparks imagination and critical thinking.

• Connection to nature: Learning about plants, animals, and ecosystems builds respect for the environment.

  
  

Research shows that children who attend forest schools often display increased confidence, resilience, and motivation to learn. These benefits extend beyond the sessions and positively impact their overall development.

How Forest School Sessions Work

Forest school sessions follow a flexible, child-centered approach. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Arrival and Warm-Up

Children gather at a meeting point, usually near the forest entrance. The leader introduces the day’s theme or activity and leads a warm-up game to get everyone moving and focused.

2. Exploration and Play

Children choose activities based on their interests. Some might explore the forest floor for insects, others might build dens or practice using tools like whittling knives under supervision. The leader observes and supports, stepping in only when necessary.

3. Group Activities

At times, the group comes together for shared tasks such as storytelling, nature crafts, or cooking on an open fire. These moments foster community and cooperation.

4. Reflection and Closing

Before leaving, children gather to reflect on their experiences. They might share what they learned or enjoyed most, helping to reinforce their connection to the session.

Examples of Forest School Activities

Forest schools offer a wide range of activities that adapt to the seasons and local environment. Some popular examples include:

• Nature scavenger hunts: Children search for specific leaves, stones, or animal tracks.

• Shelter building: Using natural materials like branches and leaves to create small shelters.

• Mud painting and clay modeling: Encouraging creativity with natural art supplies.

• Bug hunting: Observing insects with magnifying glasses and learning about their roles.

• Fire safety and cooking: Learning how to safely build and use a campfire to cook simple snacks.

• Storytelling around the fire: Sharing traditional tales or creating new stories inspired by nature.

  
  

These activities develop practical skills and deepen children's understanding of the natural world.

Preparing Children for Forest School

Parents and educators can help children get the most from forest school sessions by preparing them properly:

• Dress for the weather: Waterproof jackets, sturdy boots, and layers keep children comfortable.

• Pack snacks and water: Outdoor activities require energy and hydration.

• Encourage curiosity: Talk about nature and ask open questions to spark interest.

• Teach safety basics: Explain boundaries and rules to keep children safe.

• Bring extra clothes: Mud and water play are common, so spare clothes help avoid discomfort.

  
  

Proper preparation ensures children feel confident and ready to enjoy their time outdoors.

Choosing a Forest School Program

When selecting a forest school, consider these factors:

• Qualified leaders: Look for trained practitioners with experience in outdoor education and child development.

• Safety standards: Check that the program follows risk assessments and has clear safety policies.

• Location: A nearby woodland or natural area with diverse habitats enhances learning opportunities.

• Session frequency and duration: Regular sessions build stronger connections and skills.

• Group size: Smaller groups allow for more individual attention and safer supervision.

  
  

Visiting a session or reading reviews can help you find a program that fits your child’s needs.

Supporting Forest School Learning at Home

Parents can extend forest school learning by bringing nature into daily life:

• Nature walks: Explore local parks or green spaces regularly.

• Gardening: Grow plants or vegetables to teach responsibility and biology.

• Nature journals: Encourage children to draw or write about their outdoor experiences.

• Wildlife watching: Use binoculars or cameras to observe birds and animals.

• Crafts with natural materials: Collect leaves, pinecones, or stones for art projects.

  
  

These activities reinforce the skills and curiosity developed during forest school sessions.

The Role of Educators in Forest Schools

Educators in forest schools act as facilitators rather than traditional teachers. Their role includes:

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment.

• Observing children’s interests and guiding activities accordingly.

• Encouraging risk-taking within safe limits.

• Teaching practical skills like tool use and fire safety.

• Supporting emotional and social development through group work.

• Connecting learning to nature and real-world experiences.

  
  

This approach respects children’s autonomy and promotes lifelong learning habits.

Forest school sessions offer children a chance to step away from screens and classrooms to discover the wonders of the natural world. By spending time outdoors, children develop physical skills, emotional resilience, and a deep appreciation for the environment. Whether you are a parent, educator, or caregiver, supporting forest school experiences can enrich a child’s growth and create lasting memories.

Explore local forest school options or start simple nature activities at home to help children build a strong bond with nature. The benefits of these sessions go beyond play—they lay the foundation for healthy, curious, and confident individuals ready to face the world.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice on child education or safety.