orest School
orest SchoolA Journey into Nature’s Classroom
What Is Forest School?
A child-centred, outdoor learning approach that promotes creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
Regular sessions are held in a natural environment, fostering a connection to nature.
Book Forest School Sessions - Coming Soon!
Forest School Sessions
(The following is an example of what we do in our sessions. Specific crafts and activities are weather- and time of year dependent.)
Welcome & Opening Circle
Themed Activity
Survival Skills: Shelter building, knot tying, fire lighting.
Bushcraft: Whittling, making natural paint, or crafting with leaves & sticks.
Wildlife Exploration: Bug hunts, birdwatching, pond dipping.
Creative Play: Storytelling, nature art, mud kitchen, role-play.
Science & Observation: Tracking animals, identifying trees/plants, seasonal changes.
Free Play & Exploration
- Child-led activities like climbing, digging, water play, or building dens.
- Encourage curiosity and social interaction.
Snack & Storytime
- Gather for a shared snack.
- Story related to nature, adventure, or a theme of the day.
Reflection & Closing Circle
- Share “favourite moments” or something they learned.
- Gratitude for nature (leave no trace, tidy up area).
- Goodbye song or ritual – giving thanks to Nature.
Encourage outdoor learning & connection with nature
Develop problem-solving, teamwork & confidence
Foster curiosity, resilience & practical outdoor skills
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning”
– Fred Rogers
The Forest School Philosophy
Forest School is an educational approach that takes children outdoors and encourages them to engage with nature in a hands-on, experiential way. It emphasizes outdoor play, learning, and exploration in a natural environment, such as forests, woodlands, or other outdoor settings.
Forest Schools are based on the philosophy that children learn best when they are actively involved in their learning process, particularly in an environment that fosters creativity, independence, and problem-solving.
Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, and have grown in popularity worldwide, with programmes now available in many countries.
The philosophy aligns with a growing movement that prioritizes the benefits of nature-based learning and the importance of play in child development.
Connecting with Nature
Child-led play is a cornerstone of the learning experience at Gaeltra’s Forest School. We believe that when children take the lead in their play, they cultivate independence and creativity.
Our facilitators provide a supportive environment where children can explore their interests and make decisions, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning journey.
This approach not only enhances problem-solving skills but also encourages children to think critically and innovate, laying a strong foundation for future success.
