Are there Forest Schools in Sweden?
Swedish forest schools often visit meadows, where children are taught to ski, sled and canoe. No toilets are provided—students are taught to walk seven bushes away, and dispose of waste safely and sanitarily.
What is Forest School Scandinavia?
In Scandinavia, forest schools generally function both as day care and preschool, whereas nature-based schools in the U.S. tend to be part time. What these schools do have in common is an innovative approach to early childhood education that centers on outdoor play and fosters environmental stewardship.
When did Forest School start in Scandinavia?
Firstly, the Forest School concept first originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. In Sweden there was a concept called Skogsmulle and this was developed in 1957 by Gosta Frohm. ‘Skog means wood and Mulle is a fictional character who helps children learn to love and care for nature’ (Robertson et al, 2008).
How many Forest Schools are there in Sweden?
Currently Sweden has 70 nature schools and thousands of pupils participate in “outdoor days” every week.
How many Forest Schools are there in Germany?
“Today there are more than 1000 Forest Kindergartens in Germany. They enjoy great popularity and their waiting lists are long.
What is the difference between a Forest School and a traditional approach?
What makes forest school unique is its emphasis on learning outside of the traditional classroom and having the freedom to explore the ever changing environment, to take risks and “assess risk for themselves” (Lindon 1999, p11).
What are the disadvantages of Forest School?
Some of the cons of forest school It can be tough and challenging on bitterly cold days as children spend every day outside, rain or shine. (We did hear from some of our lovely Forest School leaders that they also visit museums if the weather gets really bad.)
Who created forest school?
The Forest Schools concept originated in Scandinavia. The approach was widely adopted in Denmark in the 1980’s as a solution to the lack of indoor facilities for pre-school children. In 1993 a group of nursery nurses and lecturers visited Settings in Sweden and witnessed the benefits.
Who founded forest school?
Sarah Blackwell is the Founder and CEO of Forest Schools Education, Forest Schools Kindergarten and Archimedes Earth as well as a well-known public speaker in the field of alternative education and outdoor learning.
How many Forest Schools are there in the UK?
The first Forest School in the UK was inspired by the popularity and success of outdoor creative learning in Denmark and wider Scandinavia. Although Forest Schools continue to grow in popularity, there are currently only 108 certified Forest School practitioners in the UK.
What are the disadvantages of Forest Schools?
How do you qualify for Forest School?
Students will need to assist on 3 sessions of Forest School run by a qualified level 3 FS Leader and write up their observations to gain the qualification. This is a good training level to choose if you want to gain some experience at Forest School first, before embarking on the full level 3 FS Leader course.