What Are the Benefits of Forest School to Children?

Forest school is a lot of fun. There is no denying that. Climbing trees, building fire, playing with mud, foraging for wild berries; outdoor learning is just a wonderful experience. However, is it really important for children to experience it growing up? Here are just a few of the countless benefits of forest school to kids:

Improves Health

At forest schools, children are almost always in motion. They run, climb, collect, dance, dig, and more. With all these physical activities, children develop more strength, speed, and durability. Children are naturally restless. And by putting them on large spaces and allowing them enough time to play, their physical well-being are greatly enhanced.

Better Social Awareness

By participating in play activities with other children to achieve specific goals, they start to realize the importance of cooperation. They start to appreciate that they are a part of a larger group and that they can be of positive impact if they learn to help each other.

Enhances Linguistic Skills

Since children are exposed to new acquentions and environments, they learn to communicate better by using new words. And since outdoor settings are more relaxed, kids are more encouraged to speak up and express themselves.

In Physical Development

Activities like building structures, using different tools, playing, and doing activities not normally experienced at home or school help develop the fine and gross motor skills of kids.

On Taking and Handling of Risks

Forest school allows children to take and handle risks in a secure and safe setting. This is very important in helping children enhance their creativity and develop relationships.

Improves Self Esteem

By allowing children to choose their own activities and by letting them positively impact the development and implementation of these activities, they become more self-reliant.

Improves Concentration and Motivation

Because outdoor learning activities are designed to be interesting, children participate willingly over extended amounts of time until the desired outcomes are achieved. Without knowing it, children learn to concentrate their minds and efforts to complete complex tasks and achieve larger goals.

Improves Knowledge about the Natural World

In forest schools, children learn a lot about nature that no books or films could ever show them. In these modern days, so many kids are no longer in touch with life outside the corners of home, halls, and schools. Letting them play in the woods and other natural environment opens their senses to the countless wonders our world offers.

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