Forest schooling is an educational method that takes learning outdoors. Kids engage in nature, exploring, building, and observing wildlife while learning through hands-on activities.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
What is forest schooling?
Forest schooling is all about learning outside. Instead of just a field trip here and there, kids spend a lot of time in natural settings, like woodlands. They get to explore, build things, watch wildlife, and learn by doing. This concept started in Scandinavia in the 1950s and became popular in the UK in 1993. Now, it's a global trend as more families see how beneficial regular outdoor experiences are for kids.
Core principles of forest schooling
The Forest School Association outlines six key principles:
- Regular Sessions: Kids engage in long-term outdoor learning, not just one-time visits.
- Natural Settings: Learning happens in woodlands or similar environments that connect kids to nature.
- Child-Led Exploration: Kids take charge of their learning.
- Holistic Development: It supports physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
- Safe Risk-Taking: Kids are encouraged to take risks in a safe way.
- Qualified Guidance: Trained practitioners guide the process. These principles make forest schooling different from simple outdoor play. The focus on regular visits helps kids form deeper connections with nature.
Research-backed benefits
Research shows that kids involved in forest schooling get a lot of benefits. They are twice as active compared to those in traditional classrooms. This leads to better strength, coordination, and focus. Studies on kids from disadvantaged backgrounds who attended forest school weekly for three years showed they improved in self-regulation, resilience, and academic success. This method is especially helpful for kids with ADHD and those on the autism spectrum.
How homeschoolers implement it
Homeschool families use forest schooling in different ways. Some join existing forest school programs or co-ops, while others set up their own outdoor sessions in parks or nature areas. A typical approach includes two parts:
- Focused Forest Time: Guided activities and nature study.
- Free Range Forest Time: Kids lead their own exploration and play. Common resources include Wild Learning, Blossom & Root, and Oak Meadow. Consistency is key—commit to regular outdoor time, rain or shine. Remember: 'There's no bad weather, just bad clothing.'
The bottom line
Forest schooling offers a unique learning framework for homeschoolers. It helps kids grow physically, emotionally, and academically all at once. If you're feeling stuck with indoor lessons, forest schooling is a great excuse to head outside. Start small with what's around you—a backyard or a local park—and build a routine from there.
