Product Description

Learning outside the classroom is an essential part of early years education, and this book looks at the opportunities the Forest School experience can offer young children for learning outdoors, and how this fits into the early years curriculum. By offering clear guidance on what the Forest School approach can achieve, the book shows you how to incorporate good practice into all outdoor play activities. Issues examined include:

- what is, and what isn't, a Forest School experience

- how exercise, fresh air and learning outside help counter obesity

- how Forest School can improve behaviour and social skills

- accommodating different learning styles

- examples of Forest School in practice

This is an inspirational read for anyone working in early years education, and for all those who care about the future of our young children and the world in which they are growing up.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26399 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Review
'This book provides a valuable resource for anyone wanting to set up a Forest School or gain a deeper understanding on the practise it entails' - Katherine Milchem, Forest School Co-ordinator in South West London, Chair of the FEI London South West Cluster Group

'This is essential reading for students and practitioners in Early Childhood....If you want to know how to incorporate good practice into all of your outdoor play activities, the clear guidance in this book will not only help you in this but will provide you with an inspirational read' - Early Years Educator

'This book is highly recommended. Anyone intrigued by the idea of forest schools, or currently working in this way and interested in finding out more about what colleagues in other parts of the country are doing, will find this book invaluable' - Early Years Update

'This book is a very welcome addition to literature on outdoor learning in the early years. Sara Knight captures the essence and ethos of Forest School through a detailed consideration of case studies and research projects, and gives a succinct overview of the theoretical underpinnings and history of the movement in the UK. The book also provides useful practical guidance on participating in Forest School, and will be an inspiration to all those concerned with giving young children the opportunity to engage in natural outdoor spaces on a regular basis. Essential reading for both students and practitioners in early childhood!' - Tim Waller, Reader in Early Years Education, University of Wolverhampton

Customer Reviews

Book Review for: Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
Knight examines the ethos of Forest School and through several case studies, she shares her experiences of a number of Forest Schools operating in the UK. She challenges the reader to explore their own impressions on the Scandinavian derived concept. This method of education has blossomed in many rural areas in the UK and is reaching out to more urban centres.
The book suggests that we still have a lot to learn from our Scandinavian counterparts with respect to societal norms, public attitudes and outdoor play, which invariably play a major part in them leading happier and healthier lives. However, she notes all is not lost in the UK, further improvements are being made in Education as a more diversified range of professionals provide input in government educational policies. In addition, the efforts and achievements by UK settings, particularly in deprived areas and urban spaces across the UK should not be overlooked.
Particular emphasis is placed on the unrivalled learning opportunities and universal benefits of Forest School in the foundation stage and beyond through the play-based and child- initiated and led learning which is supported by facilitative adult role models. Ample information is provided on Forest School training, site selection, risk assessing, kit and good practice. This book provides a valuable resource for anyone wanting to set up a Forest School or gain a deeper understanding on the practise it entails.

Review by Katherine Milchem (Forest School Co-ordinator in South West London and the Chair of the FEI London South West Cluster Group)

Forest School
Looks like all your Forest School essays shoud be made a lot easier with this purchase !!!!! As someone who has completed the course ,i think this would have been of some assistance .

Interesting to a point
I felt this book could have delivered more. The examples were interesting and relevant but perhaps due to the fact there were elements for discussion at the end of each chapter it often tended not to get to the point. Perhaps read within a group setting more interesting debates would take place? So unfortunately, for me, a little disappointing.