Nature has always been an essential part of our lives. It is a source of fresh air, a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to reconnect with ourselves. However, did you know that nature also plays a crucial role in the development of children?
Forest school training in London offers an innovative and fun way of teaching children vital skills in an outdoor setting. It is a method that has been around since the 1950s and has been growing in popularity across the globe in recent years.
What is Forest School Training?
Forest school training involves teaching children outdoors in a woodland environment. Children are given the opportunity to learn by exploring the natural world around them, in a safe and supportive way. The training aims to teach important life skills such as teamwork, resilience and problem-solving.
Children spend time in the forest with trained professionals, who encourage them to explore their surroundings, ask questions and learn by trial and error. They take part in activities such as den building, making fires, identifying plants and animals and playing games.
What Are the Benefits?
Studies have shown that forest school training has a significant impact on children’s development, both academically and socially. Here are just a few of the benefits:
Improved Physical Health
By spending time outdoors, children are encouraged to be physically active, which improves their overall health. Forest school training in London allows children to explore and learn about the environments around them. This experience of being outside and working with their hands also helps to improve their coordination and fine motor skills.
Enhanced Creativity
In a forest setting, children have complete freedom to be creative. They can build and create with natural resources, using their imagination to explore new possibilities. This, in turn, leads to a greater sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improved Social Skills
Children who attend forest school have the opportunity to socialize with their peers in a natural setting. They learn to communicate, share and work together to solve problems. This fosters a sense of community and cooperation, and helps to promote healthy relationships.
Better Problem-Solving Abilities
In nature, children learn to take calculated risks and solve problems on their own. They encounter a variety of challenges and must work together to overcome them. This develops their problem-solving abilities, resilience and ability to think critically.
Enhanced Academic Achievement
Forest school training in London has been found to boost academic achievement. By learning in a real-world setting, children retain information more effectively, are more engaged and motivated, and display greater levels of creativity when solving problems.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in getting involved in forest school training in London, there are plenty of opportunities available. Many primary schools, nurseries and child-minding services are offering forest school training as part of their regular curriculum.
Alternatively, there are several specialized forest schools that offer courses to both adults and children. These courses provide the practical training needed to become a forest school leader or practitioner.
Forest school training in London provides children with an opportunity to learn, explore and grow in a safe outdoor environment. It offers countless benefits, including improved physical health, enhanced creativity, social skills and problem-solving abilities.