Learning at Forest School
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.