Forest Schools

At Havannah, during the year every class has the chance to go out 1 afternoon a week for a six week block. There is also the chance to join an afternoon school club, or use the den building area at playtime.

What is ‘Forest Schools’?

History of Forest Schools

‘Forest schools’ originates from Scandinavia as an approach to early year’s education. Following the positive impact identified on self-esteem, confidence and the ability to work in groups, the concept has been developed worldwide as a tool for working with people of all ages and abilities.

What are ‘Forest Schools’?

The philosophy of ‘Forest Schools’ is to engage participants through positive experiences and achievable tasks to develop personal, social and emotional development.

Woodland areas are used as environments for Forest School practitioners to facilitate a wide variety of ‘hands on’ activities and experiences. It can be used within a multi activity outdoor learning programme or ‘stand alone’ as a Forest Schools programme.

‘Forest Schools’ activities have proved to be particularly effective at working with young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Learning outcomes from these activities include:

– Developing communication skills

– Developing trust and empathy

– Working with others positively

– Increased self confidence and self esteem

– Fostering a sense of achievement and success.

Here's a list of the kind of activities your child might take part in during Forest Schools

• Shelter building
• Fairy/teddy bear shelters:
• Miniature world:
• Animal shelters:
• Journey stick:
• 3D journey review:
• Animal tracking
• Bugs on bushes:
• Broom making:
• ‘1,2,3 where are you!?’
• Leaf snap:
• Mini beast hunt
• Scavenge hunt
• Kelly kettles
• Tree height and circumference:
• Opposite words:
• Bark rubbings
• Woodland art
• Blindfold tree hug:
• Woodland pallets:
• Camouflage corridor:
• Moles eye view:
• Woodland instruments:
• Stepping stones