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What its like being a forest school leader
In this episode, Alison, a nursery manager and forest school leader, shares insights on the philosophy and benefits of outdoor learning through forest schools: -
Forest schools emphasise children's innate connection to nature for their health and well-being. Activities like building rope walkways develop teamwork and emotional resilience.
- Forest schools can be inclusive by making adaptations for children of different ages, abilities, and special educational needs
The key is knowing each child and making necessary adjustments.
- Forest school offers a unique learning environment that complements traditional schooling, especially for children with additional needs. It allows controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences
- Forest school leaders require specialised training to ensure safety and tailor activities to individual needs, finding the right balance between risk and benefit.
- Alison highlights how forest school supports children's overall development - physical, cognitive, social, emotional - by allowing them to direct their own learning experiences in nature.
- She also shares heartwarming examples of children's creativity thriving outdoors and the joyful reactions children and parents have had during forest school sessions
- Alison discusses the importance of being prepared for outdoor hazards and how children often surprise with their imaginative games and activities like building fairy houses.
Key Lessons
00:00 Welcome to For All Stages and Ages: Exploring Forest School 00:34 The Philosophy and Importance of Forest Schools 01:28 A Day at Forest School: Activities and Routine 02:26 Key Skills and Lessons from Outdoor Learning 03:45 Inclusivity and Adaptations for Diverse Needs 05:01 Becoming a Forest School Leader: Training and Qualifications 05:49 Ensuring Safety and Managing Risks in Outdoor Learning 06:55 The Transformative Impact of Forest School on Children 07:37 Forest School vs. Traditional Schooling: Complementary Approaches 11:02 Creative Play and Learning in Nature 13:04 Engaging Parents and the Community in Forest School 15:36 Preparing for Forest School: Tips for Parents and Children 18:38 Unexpected Lessons and Closing Thoughts
Chapters
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By Stages 4 AgesIn this episode, Alison, a nursery manager and forest school leader, shares insights on the philosophy and benefits of outdoor learning through forest schools: -
Forest schools emphasise children's innate connection to nature for their health and well-being. Activities like building rope walkways develop teamwork and emotional resilience.
- Forest schools can be inclusive by making adaptations for children of different ages, abilities, and special educational needs
The key is knowing each child and making necessary adjustments.
- Forest school offers a unique learning environment that complements traditional schooling, especially for children with additional needs. It allows controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences
- Forest school leaders require specialised training to ensure safety and tailor activities to individual needs, finding the right balance between risk and benefit.
- Alison highlights how forest school supports children's overall development - physical, cognitive, social, emotional - by allowing them to direct their own learning experiences in nature.
- She also shares heartwarming examples of children's creativity thriving outdoors and the joyful reactions children and parents have had during forest school sessions
- Alison discusses the importance of being prepared for outdoor hazards and how children often surprise with their imaginative games and activities like building fairy houses.
Key Lessons
00:00 Welcome to For All Stages and Ages: Exploring Forest School 00:34 The Philosophy and Importance of Forest Schools 01:28 A Day at Forest School: Activities and Routine 02:26 Key Skills and Lessons from Outdoor Learning 03:45 Inclusivity and Adaptations for Diverse Needs 05:01 Becoming a Forest School Leader: Training and Qualifications 05:49 Ensuring Safety and Managing Risks in Outdoor Learning 06:55 The Transformative Impact of Forest School on Children 07:37 Forest School vs. Traditional Schooling: Complementary Approaches 11:02 Creative Play and Learning in Nature 13:04 Engaging Parents and the Community in Forest School 15:36 Preparing for Forest School: Tips for Parents and Children 18:38 Unexpected Lessons and Closing Thoughts
Chapters