Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
Forest schools are an innovative approach to early childhood education that emphasize outdoor learning, nature exploration, and holistic development. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of forest schools and outdoor learning in the early years, as well as introduce you to Forest Bloom School, a unique outdoor preschool in San Francisco CA. Forest Bloom School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the Forest School movement, and offers a multi-age program for children ages 2-6. At Forest Bloom School, children have the opportunity to play, create, and learn in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of Stern Grove. If you are looking for a kids preschool that fosters outdoor play, creativity, and curiosity, you might want to consider Forest School San Francisco as an option for your child.
How did the Forest School Approach Start?
The forest school approach is a way of teaching and learning that emphasizes outdoor experiences, nature exploration, and holistic development. It originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s and has since spread to many countries around the world. Here is a brief overview of how the forest school approach started:
The first forest school was created by Ella Flautau in Denmark in 1952. She noticed that her children and their neighbors enjoyed playing in a nearby forest, and decided to form a group of parents who supported this idea. They followed the Waldorf-Steiner philosophy, which is child-led and play-based, and allows adults to act as facilitators rather than teachers.
In the 1950s, Denmark faced a shortage of indoor space for early childhood education centers, which prompted more parents to adopt the forest school model. They called it Naturbørnehavens, which means "nature kindergartens". Older children also participated in outdoor learning, which was referred to as udeskole, or "outdoor school".
In Sweden, outdoor learning has been part of the curriculum since the 1920s, under the term friluftsliv, or "free air life". In the 1960s, a former military man named Goesta Frohm created four fictional characters called Skogsmulle, who taught children about nature. Based on this concept, the first I Ur Och Sku school, or “rain or shine school”, was established by Siw Linde in 1985. Swedish forest schools often visit meadows, where children learn to ski, sled, and canoe.
In Germany, forest schools, or waldkindergarten or waldkitas, emerged in the 1960s but were not officially recognized by the state until 1993. German forest schools offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, usually spending the mornings in the forest and the afternoons inside. They use various forms of shelter, such as tents, sheds, or toilets, in the forest.
In the UK, forest schools were introduced in 1993, when a group of nursery nurses from Bridgwater College visited Denmark and were inspired by the outdoor, child-centered pedagogy. They started their own forest school with the college creche, and observed the positive effects on the children’s creativity and confidence. In 1995, the college developed a BTech in forest school, and started to offer it to other early years practitioners.
In 2002, a network of practitioners held the first national conference, where they defined forest school as "an inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a local woodland environment".
Free-range learning: A Natural Way to Educate Children
Free-range learning is a term that describes a way of educating children that is based on their natural curiosity, interests, and abilities. It is often associated with homeschooling, unschooling, and alternative education, but it can also be applied to any learning environment that values children’s autonomy, creativity, and well-being. In this article, we will explore the concept of free-range learning, its benefits, and some examples of how it is practiced in different settings. We will also introduce you to Forest Bloom School, an outdoor preschool in San Francisco CA that follows the free-range learning philosophy.
What is Free-Range Learning?
The term free-range learning was coined by Laura Grace Weldon, the author of the book Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything. She defines it as "a natural approach to learning that is based on the child’s own interests and abilities". Free-range learning is not a method or a curriculum, but rather a mindset that respects the child’s innate drive to learn and grow. Free-range learning is inspired by the ideas of progressive educators, such as John Holt, John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner, who advocated for child-centered, experiential, and holistic education.
Free-range learning can take many forms, depending on the context and the preferences of the child and the family. Some common characteristics of free-range learning are:
It is self-directed. Children choose what, when, where, how, and with whom they want to learn, based on their interests, passions, and goals. They are not forced to follow a fixed schedule, a standardized curriculum, or a predetermined path. They are free to explore, experiment, and discover at their own pace and in their way.
It is playful. Children learn best when they are having fun, engaged, and motivated. Play is the natural language of children, and it is also a powerful tool for learning. Through play, children develop cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative skills. They also express their feelings, thoughts, and ideas, and learn to cope with challenges and frustrations.
It is hands-on. Children learn by doing, not by listening or watching. They learn by interacting with the world around them, using their senses, their bodies, and their minds. They learn by making, creating, building, and experimenting. They learn by solving problems, finding answers, and asking questions.
It is contextual. Children learn from the real world, not from textbooks or worksheets. They learn from their own experiences, observations, and reflections. They learn from the people, places, and things that are relevant and meaningful to them. They learn from the natural environment, the cultural environment, and the social environment.
It is collaborative. Children learn with and from others, not in isolation. They learn from their parents, siblings, relatives, friends, mentors, and role models. They learn from people who share their interests, values, and perspectives, as well as from people who challenge them, inspire them, and support them. They learn from people of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures. They learn by communicating, cooperating, and collaborating.
What are the Benefits of Free-Range Learning?
Free-range learning has many benefits for children, families, and society. Some of the benefits are:
It fosters intrinsic motivation. Children who learn freely are motivated by their own curiosity, passion, and satisfaction, not by external rewards, punishments, or pressures. They learn because they want to, not because they have to. They learn for the joy of learning, not for the sake of grades, tests, or diplomas. They learn to love learning, not to fear it.
It enhances self-confidence. Children who learn freely are confident in their own abilities, strengths, and talents. They are not afraid to try new things, make mistakes, or fail. They are not dependent on others’ approval, validation, or feedback. They are not limited by others’ expectations, judgments, or comparisons. They are proud of their achievements, not ashamed of their shortcomings.
It promotes creativity. Children who learn freely are creative in their thinking, expression, and action. They are not constrained by rules, norms, or conventions. They are not discouraged by criticism, rejection, or ridicule. They are not bored by routine, repetition, or monotony. They are open to new possibilities, perspectives, and solutions. They are original, innovative, and imaginative.
It develops critical thinking. Children who learn freely are critical in their reasoning, analysis, and evaluation. They are not passive, obedient, or conformist. They are not influenced by propaganda, manipulation, or bias. They are not satisfied with superficial, simplistic, or dogmatic explanations. They are curious, inquisitive, and skeptical. They are independent, informed, and responsible.
It supports holistic development. Children who learn freely are balanced in their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. They are not stressed, anxious, or depressed. They are not unhealthy, inactive, or obese. They are not isolated, lonely, or alienated. They are not violent, aggressive, or destructive. They are happy, healthy, and harmonious. They are compassionate, respectful, and peaceful.
How is Free-Range Learning Practiced?
Free-range learning can be practiced in various ways, depending on the preferences and circumstances of each child and family. Some of the common ways are:
Homeschooling. Homeschooling is the practice of educating children at home, or in other places outside of school, by their parents or other caregivers. Homeschooling can be done for various reasons, such as religious, philosophical, academic, social, or personal. Homeschooling can be done in different styles, such as traditional, eclectic, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Waldorf, or unschooling. Homeschooling can be done with different resources, such as books, online courses, tutors, co-ops, or community programs.
Unschooling. Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that is based on the principles of free-range learning. Unschooling is also known as natural learning, interest-led learning, child-led learning, or self-directed learning. Unschooling is the practice of allowing children to learn from their own interests, passions, and goals, without following a curriculum, a schedule, or a plan. Unschooling is the practice of trusting children to learn what they need to learn, when they need to learn it, and how they need to learn it.
Alternative education. Alternative education is the practice of providing educational options that are different from the mainstream or conventional system. Alternative education can be done in different settings, such as private schools, charter schools, magnet schools, democratic schools, or forest schools. Alternative education can be done with different philosophies, such as progressive, humanistic, democratic, or holistic. Alternative education can be done with different approaches, such as project-based, inquiry-based, experiential, or cooperative.
What is Forest Bloom School?
Forest Bloom School is an outdoor preschool in San Francisco CA that follows the free-range learning philosophy. Forest Bloom School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the forest school movement, and offers a multi-age program for children ages 2-6. At Forest School, San Francisco, children have the opportunity to play, create, and learn in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of Stern Grove. Forest Bloom School is one of the best examples of a kid’s preschool that fosters outdoor play, creativity, and curiosity.
Forest Bloom School is based on the following beliefs:
Children are competent, capable, and curious learners, who have the right to express their ideas, opinions, and feelings.
Children learn best through play, exploration, and discovery, in a rich and stimulating environment that offers challenges and opportunities.
Children benefit from being outdoors, in contact with nature, where they can develop a sense of wonder, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world.
Children thrive in a community of learners, where they can interact with peers and adults who respect, support, and inspire them.
Children grow in a culture of collaboration, where they can participate in meaningful projects, investigations, and dialogues that reflect their interests and questions.
Forest Bloom School is committed to providing a high-quality, child-centered, and nature-based education that prepares children for life-long learning and well-being. If you want to learn more about Forest Bloom School, you can visit their website here.
