Forest schools

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@Ani-Bareghamyan
Hi, recently I suggest to my school administration to arrange a study trip to ' Forest in City' or ' Fruit Farm" where children can have outdoor activities and love to nature. This opportunity is only for students who read 20 books per month according to their level. This is like rewards and encourage the reading culture in my school. Hopefully , my school admin will give approval for this plan.

Dear @MYLOG47799627c6
You have come up with a great idea to motivate children. Live long, good luck to you.

I never seen forest schools but in our province Sindh Pakistan we have many schools without classrooms. They also like forest schools. I think our government can change them in forest schools.

@Ana_moderator which means it is a great way to convey the knowledge to the pupil through nature by making them engaged in physical activities. It also show the importance of outdoor learning.

@Ana_moderator Hi there. In response to yourfirst question I request you to please do check the profile of a rural area teachers. Because their approach is almost matching with the topic you shared for discussion. In response to your second question I think more common in countries like the UK and Scandinavia are having these schools. However, Our Country Pakistan is gaining interest of the concept globally. In response to your third question, for specific forest school teachers in Pakistan, detailed information about individual educators might not be readily available. But on searching or contacting the forums like this we can find individuals.
Best Regards

@Samreen-Tahir wow you found it. I knew it because my sixth sense was prompting me for having atleast one forest school in Pakistan. This type of school is generally new for our community but it will help out students to learn in relaxing mode.
Best Regards

I haven't seen, listen or even read about this anywhere but I Wish I can visit the real one. It will be very exciting place to enjoy learning,

Yes, actually, the concept of forest school is not widely known, but it is great that we as educators can choose some of these approaches and integrate them into the traditional curriculum

@Ana_moderator I am thirsty in finding new ways of teaching. Forest Teaching this term is new to us but we teachers of rural areas are some times practising it by taking class in parks where this Forest teaching term applies its presence. Yes proper classes in forest teaching may impact its values but it will take time. Hope some more information will open the gates of this type of education in Pakistan.
Regards

Forest schools are educational initiatives that provide children with regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. Here are some key features of forest schools:

1.Outdoor Learning

• Nature-Based Setting: Learning takes place in forests, woodlands, or other natural environments.
• Regular Sessions: Children attend forest school sessions regularly, often weekly, throughout the year.

2. Child-Centered Approach
   • Play and Exploration: Emphasis on child-led play and exploration to stimulate curiosity and engagement.
   • Holistic Development: Activities focus on developing physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills.

3.Practical Skills

• Hands-On Activities: Children engage in activities such as building shelters, fire lighting, tool use, foraging, and nature crafts.
• Risk Management: Encourages calculated risk-taking and teaches children how to manage and assess risks.

4. Connection to Nature

   • Environmental Awareness: Promotes understanding and respect for the natural environment.
   • Sustainability: Teaches principles of conservation and sustainability.

5. Facilitated by Trained Leaders

   • Qualified Practitioners: Sessions are led by trained forest school leaders who guide and support the children's learning.
   • Observation and Reflection: Leaders observe children’s interactions and adapt activities to meet their developmental needs.

6. Benefits of Forest Schools

   • Confidence and Independence: Children gain confidence and develop independence through overcoming challenges.
   • Physical Health: Outdoor activities promote physical fitness and well-being.
   • Mental Well-Being: Nature-based learning helps reduce stress and improve mental health.
   • Social Skills: Collaborative activities foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Forest schools aim to foster a lifelong love of the natural world and promote holistic development by integrating nature and education.

I'm my country i guss no
But I went to Japan before in a training program at and I visited a school which provides the same like forest school all ciriclums based on projects Like animal breeding and Plant cultivation . I have a lot of pictures and videos I'll search for it in my laptop and I'll post it

Hi colleagues,
Hope everyone is going well.

I found this short e-book to set up a forest school. It is useful to discuss the possibility of creating a Forest School with your colleagues, manager, head teacher, in order to include them as soon as possible in your Forest Schools journey. I think this will be able to provide support, advice and help ensure you to gain the most from the whole experience as possible. If you are working for an educational setting, you can begin to identify where you Forest Schools will provide new and important opportunities for your learners, as well as how it can contrive to initiatives and other long-term goals.

Link: https://www.forestschoolassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/How-to-Grow-a-Forest-School-from-the-roots-up-14.pdf

Best,
Mr. Bryan

Hello respected mam i have a question that why we are bound to teach only books and completion of course what does it means??

Hey @Ana_moderator

That's an amazing article, School where I teach is in a rural area, surrounded by agriculture Land, most of the surrounding schools who are less fortunate and their buildings have collapsed but still New Generation teachers use different methods, teaching students under tree in open atmoshpere. Once I was assgined a extra role to inspect schools performance in the surrounding. It was really facinating experience students were more enthusiastic as compared to students living in Urban closed school sitting environment.

It is good idea for children to become more empathetic and inquisitive.

@Ana_moderator
I went to Japan in in a training program. We have visited a school based on projects... it seems like what you write about forest schools... I took alot of pictures to some activities.

@ateeque-soomro It is great to take advantage of the environment! In this case, rural areas can "win" over some urban environments.

@ENG-Asmaa absolutely

@Heba-Ali-Mohamed wow! Could you share some of the pictures you took?

@BRYANb8875625e5
Hello Bryan,
Thanks for sharing the link concerning the implemention of a forest school. School leaders should encourage it in their institutions as it will sensitise our young learners about the importance of the environment. The document you shared highlights the responsibilities of the school leader who is planning to implement a forest school.