What Is Forest School?

Forest and Nature School has existed around the world since the late 1950’s, and made its way to Canada in 2012 with the establishment of Forest and Nature School Canada.

The principles of Forest and Nature School, as outlined by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, serve as the foundation of Nurtured by Nature programs. Through regular access to the same outdoor space over an extended period, children develop a relationship with the Land and an understanding of themselves as integral parts of the natural world.

Our staff guide learning using an approach centered on the natural environment and play. This approach is based on the child’s interests and curiousity, fostering exploration and discovery in the outdoor setting. Children will pursue experiences that are meaningful to them, encouraging enriching learning moments and supporting healthy physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development for overall wellbeing.

Nurtured by Nature programs prioritize the child’s development as a whole person, and recognize that learning is not limited to formal educational settings, but occurs organically in everyday life as individuals and groups engage with their surroundings and interact with each other.

Learning at Forest School

  • Place-Based Learning

    Place-based learning connects children with their local environment through repeated interactions in a familiar natural setting.

    By learning on the land, children form a deep connection with their surroundings, building a strong sense of place and environmental awareness.

    This approach fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment, as children learn to appreciate and care for their local ecosystems.

  • Emergent Learning

    Emergent learning is an educational approach that emphasizes the natural development of knowledge through experiences, curiosity, and interactions within the environment.

    Instead of following a rigid curriculum, emergent learning allows children to explore their interests and passions, leading to more meaningful and engaged learning.

    This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, as children are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, and collaborate with others.

  • Play-Based Learning

    Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that drives learning and development.

    Through play, children explore the world around them, develop social skills, and express creativity. It provides a natural context for learning, where children can experiment, solve problems, and build resilience.

    Play supports cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth, making it an essential component of a well-rounded education.

  • Child-Led Learning

    Child-led learning empowers children to take charge of their educational journey by following their interests, instincts, and natural curiosities.

    In this approach, educators act as facilitators, providing support and resources while allowing children to set their own goals and pace.

    This method nurtures independence, confidence, and intrinsic motivation, as children engage deeply with subjects that genuinely fascinate them, leading to a more personalized and impactful learning experience.

  • Inquiry-Based Learning

    Inquiry-based learning is centered on fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder in students. It encourages them to ask questions, explore, and investigate topics of interest through guided discovery.

    This approach promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills as learners actively seek out answers and solutions, rather than passively receiving information.

    By placing the emphasis on the process of exploration, inquiry-based learning cultivates a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.

  • Risky Play

    Risky play involves activities that allow children to experience a manageable level of risk, such as climbing, balancing, or exploring unknown environments.

    This type of play is crucial for developing confidence, resilience, and risk assessment skills.

    By navigating challenges and pushing their boundaries, children learn to manage fear, make informed decisions, and build self-esteem, all of which are vital for their overall development.

  • Loose Parts Play

    Loose parts play involves providing children with a variety of open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, redesigned, and taken apart in countless ways.

    This type of play encourages creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills, as children experiment with different possibilities and outcomes.

    Loose parts can be natural items like sticks and stones or recycled materials, offering endless opportunities for innovative and unstructured play.

  • Process vs Outcome

    Learning that values the process over the outcome focuses on the journey of exploration and discovery rather than the final result.

    This approach encourages learners to engage deeply with the material, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and develop a growth mindset.

    By prioritizing the process, staff help students cultivate perseverance, curiosity, and a love for learning, leading to more meaningful and lasting educational experiences.