Children can thrive from spending time outdoors. It has tremendous benefits for mental and physical health which can inadvertently improve their performance at school. Schools that have recognised this and have transformed the way that they deliver their lessons. These are known as “forest schools” and we spoke with one to learn more about the benefits that outdoor learning has to offer.

Calming Effects

The colour green is calming. The pigment makes us feel less anxious. Plus in a study, looking at children that spent differing levels of time outdoors, it was found that those who spent more time outdoors were less likely to be anxious.

Physical Activity

There is so much space outdoors. Children can explore and run around. In class however, they are confined and there are fewer activities that they can participate in due to health and safety.

Gross Motor Skills

The outdoor environment also provides the chance for children to work on their gross motor skills. They can jump, climb, run and more which can help them with their physical strength.

Problem Solving

Children make their own discoveries outdoors at Forest School. They can learn about the natural world through their own interactions and run into problems that require problem-solving skills.

Building Stronger Relationships

Group working is something that children can do outdoors at Forest School as they aren’t confined to just worksheets. They have the opportunity to work with their friends and teachers on tasks. Enabling them to form stronger relationships and work on their social skills.

Kinaesthetic Learners

There are a multitude of ways that we learn. Some children learn through hands-on activities while others enjoy demonstrations and listening to instructions. Outdoor learning caters perfectly to the kinaesthetic learning style. Helping children to make sense of the concepts they are taught in class through everyday examples.

Children Can Have Fun

Above all, children can just be themselves. They can take their learning into their own hands and have fun. This can help them to develop a positive attitude to learning and moreover, learn how to be themselves. Here are some outdoor activities you can try with your children.

We hope that this gave you some insights into forest schools and that you found this post useful. While here, why not take a look at some other posts on parenting tips and tricks?