CONTENT
FOREST SCHOOL PHILOSOPHIES
A Forest School is an educational system that takes places in a woodland or in a wild place. It aims to develop a strong relationship between the learner and the natural world and promotes self-esteem, creativity, confidence and independence. In the process of learning, everything is play-based, child-initiatied and child-led. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore, and learn in natural outdoor spaces. This provides dynamic and varied learning conditions. Anything that wants to be taught in traditional classroom can be taught outdoors as well.
Learning Outcomes:
All the participants will:
- learn what Forest School philosophies are
- learn the history of Forest Schools
- understand the role of the natural environment in the process of learning
- learn what Forest Schools promote for a child’s development
- understand the role of Forest Schools for a sustainable future
- learn how Forest Schools helps the child’s physical and emotional development
Objectives of the Course:
- learning what Forest School philosophies are
- learning the history of Forest Schools
- understanding the role of the natural environment in the process of learning
- learning what Forest Schools promote for a child’s development
- understanding the role of Forest Schools for a sustainable future
- learning how Forest Schools helps the child’s physical and emotional development
Methodology:
- Brainstorming
- Working in groups cooperatively
- Focusing on practical and skills-based interactive learning
- Awareness
- Collaboration
Target Group:
- Teachers, trainers, educators, school administrators, etc.
Preparation:
Before the course,
- A detailed pre-course questionnaire to indicate their level of experience, teaching backgrounds, and training will be completed by participants.
- They will also prepare a presentation to reflect their teaching method.
Validation:
- A course participation certificate will be given to all participants.
- A Europass Mobility Certificate will be given if the participant demands it, as well.
DAILY SCHEDULE
1st Day
Ice-breaking activities and introduction of the course program
Getting to know each other – Presentation of participants (a five-minute presentation)
What is ‘Forest School’?
What is aimed with Forest Schools?
The brief history of Forest Schools
2nd Day
How are Forest Schools different from traditional schools?
The 7 characteristics of Forest Schools
• The setting is outdoors – natural environment
• The setting is convenient to take risks – for physical development of children and gain confidence
• Learners spend long periods of time outdoors
• Outdoor learning occurs in all weather conditions
• Interaction between the students and the teachers
• Learning process is child-centered
• The staff are specially trained
3rd Day
How does a Forest School help the child’s development?
• Physical
• Emotional
• Social
The role of the teacher in Forest Schools
supporting
guiding
monitoring the learning process.
4th day
The brief history of Forest Schools
- Where did it first establish?
Which countries use this educational system?
How do they adapt Forest Schools to themselves?
How do Forest Schools affect a country’s future in terms of environment?
5th day
Countries using Forest School system
Overview of the course program
Evaluation of the course program
Filling the feedback forms
Europass Mobility Certificate, Participation Certificate
Course Related
