Outdoor Learning... C


hildren enjoy being outside and there are a wide range of activities to enjoy which promote learning. The most rapid physical development takes place during the first seven years of a child’s life, so active learning outdoors is essential. Children can more easily practice their physical motor skills, running, leaping and jumping where there is more space.


Forest Schools, which originated in Scandinavia, make use of a woodland environment to ensure that children are exposed to both nature and have plenty of room for physical movement. Being outdoors gives


children the freedom


learn to cope with hazards such as brambles, stinging


nettles and overhead branches and they can learn to work cooperatively with other children, for example, by helping to build bridges and dens together.


to explore, to take risks and assess risks for themselves. In a natural woodland setting children Visit King Edward’s School Bath to find out more: www.kesbath.com, T: 01225 421681


The benefits of learning outdoors have spread to the UK and there are a number of schools who now offer Forest School as part of the curriculum. You can also visit a local woodland or your nearest park with your child and try some outdoors activities. Here are a few suggestions; go on a mini beast hunt, collect natural objects such as leaves and cones or investigate trees and flowers - not only will you have lots of fun, your child will be learning at the same time.


Small Steps 25


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