Exploring the Benefits of Forest School | Outdoor Learning, Child Development & Parental Insights

Is your little one going to be starting Forest School this year?

Or maybe your school already provides forest school and you want to know more about it?

We have put together a great mini course with ALL the information you need to get started! https://www.stages4ages.com/stages-4-ages

In this episode of the Balancing Business and Babies podcast, Lucy Howell speaks with Alison, a Forest School leader, about the transformative power of outdoor learning. They discuss how Forest School education supports child development, fosters emotional well-being, and encourages nature exploration. Alison shares her expertise on managing safety and risky play, addressing common parental concerns, and creating an inclusive environment for all children. They also cover how parents can support their child’s connection to nature at home and how experiencing Forest School firsthand can shift perceptions of risky play.

Key Takeaways:

Forest School fosters emotional well-being, teamwork, and problem-solving through outdoor play.

Risky play is an essential part of learning, but safety is always prioritized through careful supervision and risk assessment.

Forest School is inclusive, adaptable, and designed for all children, regardless of their abilities.

Parents can encourage nature exploration at home with activities like scavenger hunts and outdoor adventures.

Understanding the balance between freedom and structure is key to successful outdoor learning.

Parental involvement can help shift mindsets about risky play, improving overall perceptions.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Forest School

02:20 - Ensuring Safety in Forest School

05:12 - Embracing Risky Play and Supervision

08:30 - Shifting Parental Mindsets on Risk

10:20 - Forest School's Inclusive Approach

11:10 - Encouraging Nature Exploration at Home

12:59 - Balancing Freedom with Structure in Outdoor Learning

14:12 - Hopes for Children’s Development in Forest School

15:27 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

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