Forest schools

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In Finland, there's a trend of outdoor schools where classes are held in the forest rather than traditional classrooms. For instance, the "Forest School" approach emphasizes learning through nature, where students engage in activities like building shelters, foraging for food, and understanding ecosystems. These schools aim to develop practical skills, encourage a connection with nature, and promote physical activity and well-being. This model contrasts sharply with conventional education settings and offers a hands-on, immersive learning experience.

@Shazia-Baloch
I already teached the students forest base study check this post of mine

@Burfatmukhtiar its amazing Sir

@Shazia-Baloch it's very important to teach students about agriculture and forest system of earth

@Engr-Zeeshan exactly sir in our educational system unavailability of infrastructure and basic resources in rural areas,automatically converted traditional school into forest school. One of my teaching experience want to share over here.. In flood of 2010 in our Sindh region, I was working in army public school on that time, school management assigned some of the teachers in rural areas where I had been there,teached the students in open area around the trees, students sat on the bare floor. At that time, I hadn't an concept of like that but feeling of that time was very refreshing and calm ful even little bit felt inferior as sitting in open area for many days. Now I'm feeling it was worth experience as described forest school.

@Asmashahzad1985 Aslam o Alaikum dear,

No doubt, we teachers, especially those working in rural schools, are dedicated to enhancing our skills through various assigned activities. If we are here, it means we are seeking beneficial information for our schools.

The term "Forest Schools" might be new to us, but our teachers are very much involved in this concept.

You have won my heart with your passionate work. Stay blessed, strong, and healthy.

I appreciate your dedication. Mashallah.

Regards,

@Engr-Zeeshan Thank you brother for your appreciation, I m also inspired from your creative writing, u can also guide and encourage us as a mentor that I can enhance my skills in my teaching way as well as in language perspectives in this forum

@Ana_moderator
This photos taken by me when I was in Japan . We went to a city Ina in Nagano Prefecture ... it was a training program for Egyptian Japanese school teachers.. I recorded and documented everything and every moment with pic, videos ... it was an amazing journey

@Heba-Ali-Mohamed can you please share some pictures here. So that everyone will learnore about it

This new school year I will have a reading corner under a tree right besides my classroom. I’m very happy to know about this approach in this forum. Just love it! Let’s apply what we are learning in our classrooms, it will be fun.

@Heba-Ali-Mohamed very inspiring

@BRYANb8875625e5
Reading under a tree really makes a peaceful environment. Once upon a time, when I was 8 years old my teacher brought us to read under a tree. I sit and memorize the time table by napping on the grass floor and see the sky and clouds with nature wind blowing. BRYAN… sure it will be a fruitful activity for you.

@Ana_moderator
Forest School: Connecting Students with Nature Forest School is an educational approach that takes students out of the traditional classroom and into natural environments for hands-on learning experiences. This method emphasizes child-led learning through play, exploration, and supported risk-taking, fostering a deep connection with nature and developing essential life skills.

Key Principles:

Child-Centered Learning: Activities are based on children's interests and curiosity.
Learning Through Play: Encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.
Regular and Repeated Visits: Frequent sessions in the same natural setting to build familiarity and comfort.
Holistic Development: Focuses on emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Risk Management: Supports safe risk-taking to build confidence and resilience.
Activities in Forest School:

Building Shelters: Students learn to construct shelters using natural materials, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Nature Crafts: Creating art from natural objects like leaves, sticks, and stones enhances creativity and fine motor skills.

Wildlife Observation: Observing and identifying plants, insects, and animals fosters a deep appreciation for biodiversity.

Bushcraft Skills: Learning skills like fire-lighting, knot-tying, and foraging promotes self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

Outdoor Play: Unstructured play in nature enhances physical development, social interaction, and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Forest School:

Improved Physical Health: Active outdoor play increases fitness and overall health.
Enhanced Mental Well-being: Nature reduces stress and boosts mood.
Social Skills Development: Group activities promote communication and teamwork.
Increased Environmental Awareness: Direct interaction with nature fosters a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Boosted Academic Performance: Hands-on learning experiences support cognitive development and academic achievement.
Conclusion:

Forest School provides a unique and impactful approach to education, connecting students with nature and fostering holistic development. Through regular outdoor sessions, students develop essential life skills, environmental awareness, and a lifelong love of learning.

@FarhanMehboob we have here in Egypt EJS Egyptian Japanese school . Its kind of collaboration between Egypt and japan we have more than 48 EJS around Egypt opened in 2018 ... i worked there since its opening as a mathematics teacher . we teach there our curriculum in English and some japanese activities focused on building personality of child . this activities called tokkatsu .Tokkatsu is a Japanese term referring to a set of extracurricular educational activities aimed at the holistic development of students. Tokkatsu focuses on nurturing the social, emotional, and physical aspects of students, in addition to their academic growth. These activities encompass a wide range of events such as sports, arts, music, teamwork, and community service.
The Tokkatsu system aims to instill values and principles like cooperation, responsibility, and self-discipline among students. It is an essential part of the educational curriculum in Japan and is believed to significantly contribute to the comprehensive development of students, preparing them for practical and societal life.
may be ill make a post represnt more about tokkatsu in our forum

Thanks i have been working in Egyptian Japanese school and I have alot of experience about the education in japan and about tokkatsu activities

@Ana_moderator I read about the forest school in an article it's really wonderful for the students.
Real life problem solving. Improve critical thinking. Playing outdoor games , living practical life, and they are very close to the nature.

@Heba-Ali-Mohamed A great journey in the forests. You really enjoyed and learn a lot of new points. My wishes are with you

Hi Ana moderator it is an amazing and interesting post .
The forest school approach, which emphasizes outdoor, hands-on learning in natural environments, can be highly beneficial for students. It fosters a connection with nature, promotes physical activity, and encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
In Pakistan, the forest school concept is still emerging, so there aren't many schools explicitly following this model. However, some schools and organizations are integrating elements of outdoor and experiential learning into their programs. Here are a few you might find interesting:

1. Karachi American School - This school incorporates various outdoor activities and experiential learning opportunities into its curriculum.

2. TNS Beaconhouse - Located in Lahore, TNS Beaconhouse focuses on project-based learning and often includes outdoor activities and nature-based projects in its teaching approach.

3. The Lyceum - This school in Karachi emphasizes holistic education and incorporates outdoor learning and environmental awareness into its programs.

4. Nature Carnival by WWF-Pakistan - Although not a school, WWF-Pakistan organizes events like the Nature Carnival, which promote environmental education and outdoor activities for students and families.

While these schools may not follow the forest school model exactly, they do incorporate elements of outdoor and experiential learning that align with the forest school philosophy.
Unfortunately I don't know any forest school teachers personally.but in this forum may be i meet such a brilliant and experienced forest teacher.

@MYLOG47799627c6

Every experience based in nature contact will be amazing for us and our students. Best of luck @MYLOG47799627c6

@Heba-Ali-Mohamed if I got an opportunity by the Grace of Almighty Allah. I will surely pay a visit to EJS.