The Forest School Advantage
Advantages of Nature Play and Forest School for Kids
Current research shows that outdoor, nature-based education offers an advantage to its participants. It
helps to optimize overall development for children during the window of opportune development when
learning happens best through free play, movement, rich sensory stimulation and exploration in
challenging environments.
Research has found these positive effects:
Mental
Increases Problem Solving Ability, Creativity, and Critical Thinking
Improves Academic Test Scores and Overall Cognitive Functioning
Tremblay et al.: Systematic review of sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. (2011) 8:98, available at http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/8/1/98.
Focus
Increases Ability to Focus and Executive Functioning Skills
Lowers ADD/ADHD Symptoms
Wells, N.M., and Evans, G.W. “Nearby Nature: A Buffer of Life Stress Among Rural Children.” Environment and Behavior. Vol. 35:3, 311-330 (2003).
Physical
Stronger Bodies and Immune Systems
Increases Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills
Better Balance (all of which is shown to help with higher thinking skills)
Decreases Nearsightedness
Cleland, V., et al. A prospective examination of children's time spent outdoors, objectively measured physical activity and overweight. International Journal of Obesity, 32(11), 1685-1693 (2008).
Fjortoft, I. Landscape as playscape: the effects of natural environments on children's play and motor development. Children, Youth and Environments, 14(2), 21-44. (2004), available at http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/index_issues.htm.
Emotional
Better Emotional Resilience
Better Management of Emotional States
Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Bartosh, O. Environmental Education: Improving Student Achievement. Thesis. Evergreen State College. (2003), available at http://www.seer.org/pages/research/Bartosh2003.pdf.
Spiritual
Wonder and Awe Towards Life
Experience of Peaceful States
Kellert, S. Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection. Washington, DC: Island Press (2005).
Social
Better Peer Communication, Cooperation and Social Skills
Deepened Family Connections
Builds Community
Kenny, E. Forest Kindergarten The Cedarsong Way. Vashon Island, WA. http://cedarsongnatureschool.org/resources-and-links/book-and-dvd/
Joy of Learning
Lifelong Love of Learning
Self-Discipline
Kenny, E. Forest Kindergarten The Cedarsong Way. Vashon Island, WA. http://cedarsongnatureschool.org/resources-and-links/book-and-dvd/
Stewardship
Respect for and Love of Nature
Caregivers for the Environment
Kenny, E. Forest Kindergarten The Cedarsong Way. Vashon Island, WA. http://cedarsongnatureschool.org/resources-and-links/book-and-dvd/
Adventure
Willingness to Take Risks
Ability to Assess Risks and Safety Better
Kenny, E. Forest Kindergarten The Cedarsong Way. Vashon Island, WA. http://cedarsongnatureschool.org/resources-and-links/book-and-dvd/