Forest School in the UK
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn”. (Estrada, 2015) Technology is vastly becoming a useful tool for parents and teachers to provide children with distraction, entertainment and an aid for learning. There is an on-going debate whether this is useful or whether it is actually doing more harm to the children than good. Every child is unique which alters their approach to learning and their preferred learning styles. The use of technology to teach children may be useful for some, however there are others who need a more kinaesthetic, hands on approach. Forest Schools is a valuable means for children to experience a practical way of learning.
What are your opinions on the growing use of technology vs natural play and experiences? CBS News recommend that “children two and older should be involved in at least sixty minutes of moderate intensity physical activities each day”. Nonetheless children seem to be satisfied staying indoors. This is where Forest School is key. Not only do the sessions support children who learn better from a practical perspective, but children are experiencing fresh air, physical activity and environmental awareness. Forest School is an outdoor classroom where children fulfil opportunities to explore nature and use their imagination to create individual creations. Sessions take part on a regular basis and offer children the ability to progress and achieve their potential, whilst building their self-esteem and confidence through hands on experience within a natural environment. For those who have children, do they experience sixty minutes of outdoor play every day? Do you think they need more time than this? Reference List
10 Comments
Imelda
10/5/2015 12:18:01 pm
Whilst technology is a part of everyday life, children should also be encouraged to venture outdoors and learn about the environment.
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Jess Berry
10/5/2015 12:28:50 pm
I agree- technology is taking over education and I feel the importance of being outdoors and experiencing the environment is being 'pushed to the side' a little.
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Steve
10/5/2015 01:53:37 pm
Whilst technology has its place, I believe that it cannot completely replace the benefits of natural environments and that of interactions between children, their parents and their peers.
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Jess Berry
10/5/2015 11:28:25 pm
Thank you for your comment Steve. I completely agree that technology is a wonderful resource for many areas of learning, however there needs to be a limit to this. Outdoor learning is so beneficial for children and communication between children, their parents and their peers are vital to their development and growth. I believe there will be much better interaction with other individuals through more natural approaches such as Forest Schools.
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Judith Reynolds
10/6/2015 12:02:10 pm
I think it's a 'no brainer'. Too many children spend too much time in front of screens and not nearly enough time, if any, outside enjoying their environment. It can only be good for them to get out and get dirty.
Jess Berry
10/6/2015 01:53:57 pm
I agree Judith- being outdoors is more beneficial for children and their development across all areas. Researchers have found that children can develop a disorder called "Nature Deficit Disorder" suggesting that not playing outdoors is "really detrimental for children" (Psychology Today, 2014).
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karen
10/7/2015 02:13:31 pm
I love the Steiner principle and a Steiner Kindergarten is a magical place. I was so smitten with the gentle ebb and flow of Kindergarten life that I enrolled my then 3yo with a view to him continuing his education in a Steiner school. However it was more my idyll than my child's. He loved the outdoor play but struggled with the lack of boundaries which left him confused and insecure. He was constantly testing to see how far he could go and what he could get away with and pent a lot of time holding the Kindergarten mothers hand or sat in the lobby by himself . At age 4 I made the difficult choice to place him in a state school where he has thrived. He struggled when he wasn't allowed to sound out words or count as he was told he wasn't ready to learn yet. He felt he was and this caused more frustration on his part. I think Steiner schools work for some children and I still wholeheartedly agree that children should begin to learn when they are ready, for many 4 and 5 is too soon. My son just needed a little more than Kindergarten could offer. He was reading fluently within a few months in Reception and loves the boundaries and rules of a more structured environment. He is full of imagination and learns best outdoors and through play which luckily for us his primary school is a strong advocate for. I think it about finding the right environment for your child. Steiner was not right for my child.
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Jess Berry
10/8/2015 09:29:45 am
Thank you for your personal comments Karen. I think it is wonderful that your son was able to experience both Steiner and state education. I agree that Steiner schools suit certain children and it is important that parents find out if this is the best route for their child. I believe that even though Steiner education has many benefits, most children need structure, routines and boundaries to aid their development and learning, which state schools provide. I am glad that your son is doing so well in the school he is in now and hope this continues as he progresses within education over the years.
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KG
10/16/2015 06:42:31 am
I thoroughly agree that outdoor learning is imperative for Early Years children. My setting has improved its outdoor provision this summer and the children's play and their level of learning has escalated. The freedom to express themselves in an outdoor environment is so important, particularly for those with additional needs. The mud kitchen is a real hit!!
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Jess Berry
10/16/2015 06:50:01 am
Thank you for your comment KG, I am so glad that your setting has improved its outdoor facilities and that children are benefiting from this. The outdoor provision is pretty limited at my setting, only providing a small mud kitchen. However, the children love this and is regularly used. My setting is conducive to taking on more Forest School status because of its rural location and I a hoping to encourage this development.
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