The Forest School Podcast

Ep 198: Is YOUR Outdoor Provision just résumé building for children?

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Summary:
In this episode, we explore the purpose of Forest School as a space for children to engage in free play, build social connections, and experience the joy of childhood without the pressures of traditional, outcome-driven education. Discover why Forest School stands as a community resource, supports mental health, and challenges the idea of “resume-building” for children.

Episode Highlights:

  • Free Play vs. Structured Learning: How unstructured play in Forest School supports mental health and holistic growth.
  • Forest School as a Community Resource: The ripple effects of Forest School on families and communities, fostering environmental stewardship and shared values.
  • Beyond Resume-Building: The limitations of an achievement-focused childhood and how Forest School offers a different path.
  • The Mental Health Benefits of Nature-Based Learning: Why time spent in nature is essential for children’s well-being and resilience.
  • Embracing “Pissing About”: The value of unstructured, joyful exploration and why it’s a radical act in today’s productivity-focused world.

    • Timestamps:

    • [00:05] Introduction to the theme: Free play and its role in childhood
    • [05:05] Why treating childhood as resume-building affects mental health
    • [11:51] Forest School as a community asset and environmental stewardship
    • [13:24] The importance of unstructured time in Forest School
    • [18:18] Encouraging outdoor leaders to preserve free play

      • Resources Mentioned:

      • Peter Gray’s Research – Gray’s studies on free play, childhood mental health, and inequality
      • “Free to Learn” by Peter Gray – Gray’s book on childhood play and education
      • Forest School Community Hub – Resources and connections for Forest School leaders

        • Key Quotes:

        • “Forest School isn’t about preparing kids for the future; it’s about giving them the space to experience joy and curiosity right now.”
        • “In a world of metrics and outcomes, Forest School stands as a rare place where children can simply be.”

          • Join the Conversation:

          How do you incorporate free play into your sessions? Join us on social media and share your thoughts!

          Find us everywhere:
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          📻 Apple Podcasts
          💻 RSS Feed


          Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow educators to help spread the message of free play and nature-based learning!

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          The Forest School PodcastBy Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden
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