“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein
What is forest school?
In providing a school without ceilings and walls, a child is able to be free of the restrictions that the traditional classroom offers. Children blossom with space and the freedom to just be. The demands of school, even at a very young age, can be too daunting and challenging for some children. In a traditional educational system, one size most certainly does not fit all and outside learning can often give these children the chance to shine. At PlayWood we hone in on a child’s individuality, finding their niche and finding where they’re at their most comfortable. Forest school teaches teamwork, respect and gives the child a sense of achievement which they may not otherwise pick up in a traditional school setting.
Although, happily, more schools are now recognising the importance of outdoor pursuits in their timetables. Outdoor education gives every child a chance to show their abilities, even children who normally shy away from group tasks. Tania is a great believer in giving all children a different context in which to expand their skills and one in which their self-esteem will grow. On a practical level this is a taste of what we do:
- whittling, making tools
- shelter building
- fire building/lighting
- wild food foraging
- outside cooking
- bird watching
- other bushcraft related activities
Activities are planned with the child’s abilities in mind, to encourage team work and have a load of fun.
We’re able to bring forest school into children’s lives by providing the following:
- PlayWood Nature School for home-educated and flexi-educated children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- 1-2-1 sessions in nature for children and adults
- PlayWood Holiday Sessions during the Easter and Summer holidays
- One-off outdoor learning session in your garden for families or small groups of children
- Local nature walks for small groups of people