Forest Schools

Dear families,

Today we introduce another educational approach within the wide universe of childhood learning:

Forest Schools.

Forest schools are a form of early education where children learn primarily outdoors, in parks or natural environments.

The model originated in Denmark and spread across Scandinavia, after observing that daily contact with nature supports holistic child development.

Here, nature becomes the main classroom.

What does this mean in practice?

Children spend most of their time outdoors exploring and playing.

While climbing trees, observing insects or building with sticks, they are:

• Thinking

• Solving real problems

• Cooperating with others

Adults accompany and ensure safety, but do not constantly direct.

Children develop:

• Confidence

• Autonomy

• Emotional resilience

Spontaneous play as the engine of growth

Even if it looks like “just play,” learning is deep:

Language, math, science, motor skills and autonomy all develop naturally through experience.

Living and cooperating outdoors strengthens empathy, patience and teamwork.

It also nurtures environmental awareness and respect.

Where is it most established?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have integrated this approach widely.
It has expanded to the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain.

Mostly present in early childhood and sometimes primary education, its spirit continues in some secondary systems, integrated within traditional curricula.

For the Creative Family

Forest schools remind us:

Learning doesn’t only happen at a desk.

It also happens through movement, exploration and discovery—when children grow with trust, nature and freedom.

Growth sometimes needs fewer walls and more sky.

With care and always by your side,

Clody, Lady Play at ByBa