The Importance Of Place In Forest School

When we talk about the natural world as the third teacher, besides offering challenging terrain and varying weather, she’s also a historian, a griot. During our literacy class theme, learning names are essential. We introduce current and past terms, discuss where we are in reference to last week, and note and imagine what existed before.

The rocks tell us about Pangea and glaciers, and fortifications used in war. Navigation directions and waterways lead us to the tales of migratory peoples and journeyers. We talk as we walk, an inquiry is always welcome, and names are absorbed in different ways depending on the age. Babies deserve stories, too, even if they can’t ask questions like the older ones can. We know children are always learning.

Speaking respectfully to children is received and builds confidence and vocabulary. Talking to children with respect and engagement, even when using words they don’t understand sometimes, indicates reverence and belief in their worthiness. The basis of our program is from a cultural sensibility, so practice, familiarity, and absorption are not overlooked. We’re not out to elicit a particular response or action but to create constructive conditions for natural learning to occur and develop.

Outdoor education is more than expending energy or performing activities in beautiful settings. While those are significant accomplishments- because everything counts when you’re in a big city- there’s so much more. Spending time understanding where you are in time and space is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up.