Philosophy/principals
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire the children to enjoy all the opportunities that the programme and the woodlands
'the natural outdoor surroundings give to them' (Kindling play and training, 2010; Archimedes Training Ltd., 2012). It is about letting the
children direct their own learning (Kindling play and training, 2010). This programme gives the children the opportunity's to learn about the outdoor
environment (Kindling play and training, 2010).
Its about giving the children self awareness and allowing them to reach their personal potential and develop intrinsic motivation. The most important
principle of Forest Schools is to give the learners the opportunities to learn how to use their initiative to solve problems and to cooperate with others
(Kindling play and training, 2010).
This programme is run throughout the year in all weathers except for high winds. The children learn the boundaries of all kinds of behaviour
(physical and social). It also allows them to gain confidence, a good self esteem and also helps them to become more motivated as they are left to
direct their own play and learning (Kindling play and training, 2010).
The 'woodlands' does not need to be a huge forest, it can consist of just one tree, and still run the Forest Schools programme (Forest Schools, 2012).
Four of the broad principles in Te Whaariki are at the centre of the Forest Schools programme. Empowerment: In this context the children are being
empowered to learn, their skills are being valued and so are their contributions. The holistic development of the children. The wider family and
community are valued and integral. And Relationships, he children form responsive and reciprocal relationships (Knight, 2009).
'the natural outdoor surroundings give to them' (Kindling play and training, 2010; Archimedes Training Ltd., 2012). It is about letting the
children direct their own learning (Kindling play and training, 2010). This programme gives the children the opportunity's to learn about the outdoor
environment (Kindling play and training, 2010).
Its about giving the children self awareness and allowing them to reach their personal potential and develop intrinsic motivation. The most important
principle of Forest Schools is to give the learners the opportunities to learn how to use their initiative to solve problems and to cooperate with others
(Kindling play and training, 2010).
This programme is run throughout the year in all weathers except for high winds. The children learn the boundaries of all kinds of behaviour
(physical and social). It also allows them to gain confidence, a good self esteem and also helps them to become more motivated as they are left to
direct their own play and learning (Kindling play and training, 2010).
The 'woodlands' does not need to be a huge forest, it can consist of just one tree, and still run the Forest Schools programme (Forest Schools, 2012).
Four of the broad principles in Te Whaariki are at the centre of the Forest Schools programme. Empowerment: In this context the children are being
empowered to learn, their skills are being valued and so are their contributions. The holistic development of the children. The wider family and
community are valued and integral. And Relationships, he children form responsive and reciprocal relationships (Knight, 2009).