What is Forest Schools Education?

To fully enjoy this presentation, please increase the volume and use the arrows to navigate through the slides. I hope it effectively captures the essence of this important area of learning. If you want more information or have any questions, please contact me at hello@garethmate.com.

My Explore, Learn, Create Book

Drawing from my deep passion for education and the great outdoors, I am excited to share that I have written my first book focused on outdoor learning and its myriad benefits. This book encapsulates my experiences and insights gained from successfully operating a Forest School in England, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of nature-based education on children’s growth and learning.

In the pages of this book, I delve into various aspects of outdoor learning, exploring how it can foster creativity, resilience, and a profound connection with the environment. I provide practical advice and strategies for educators, parents, and anyone interested in embracing the natural world as a powerful classroom.

You'll find comprehensive guidance on setting up outdoor learning spaces, engaging children in various activities, and cultivating a mindset that values exploration and discovery. Each chapter is filled with anecdotes, tips, and encouraging reflections aimed at inspiring others to step outside and unlock the potential of outdoor education.

If you’re curious about the insights and advice shared in this book, I invite you to click on the image above. Join me on this journey towards reshaping how we view education and harnessing the wonders of the outdoors for learning.

Lessons - In the outdoors combined with the classroom

I am fortunate to teach lessons outdoors every week, whether in the local woodland, on the school grounds, or at the nearby beach. I find that outdoor settings provide excellent opportunities for creative and intrinsic learning experiences. I use these environments to enhance and support my regular classroom lessons with new and exciting techniques.

All of my lessons are hands-on and interactive, and I naturally incorporate outdoor themes into the curriculum through language, writing, art, and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) education. As a result, I have a wealth of resources and knowledge that can help you plan meaningful and practical outdoor lessons that support and enrich the curriculum in various ways.

Nature Art

As a practical example of how to implement this activity effectively, my group and I embarked on an inspiring trip to a nearby woodland to work on a creative art and writing project. The main objective was to craft a meaningful visual representation using natural materials we discovered in our surroundings and then use that image as a foundation to retell a story.

We set off enthusiastically, armed with our bags to collect materials, and spent 30 minutes exploring the area. During this time, we gathered various items, such as leaves, twigs, stones, and flowers, which we believed could contribute to our artistic vision. The rustling of the leaves, the birds chirping, and the forest's earthy scents heightened our creativity.

Once we returned to our designated spot, we began designing our image. Each group member contributed ideas and collaborated to arrange the materials into a cohesive and meaningful artwork. The process of creating was both engaging and reflective, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of nature and our surroundings.

After completing our artwork, we shifted our focus to writing a brief yet compelling explanation of our piece. We drew upon the skills we had developed in previous classes, where we honed our ability to create captivating story starters and refine our content delivery. We incorporated a range of powerful adjectives and adverbs to enhance our narrative.

Ultimately, this project gave us an excellent opportunity to connect with nature, explore our artistic abilities, and practice our writing and storytelling skills in a dynamic and enjoyable setting. It was an enriching experience that allowed us to combine art, drama, and literature uniquely.

Outdoor Maths

I strongly believe that conducting mathematics lessons outdoors and utilising readily available materials can create an enriching and transformative experience for both teachers and students, whenever the opportunity arises. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial given the challenges many children face in grasping abstract mathematical concepts within the confines of a traditional classroom environment.

Engaging students in a more dynamic setting allows them to connect mathematical theories with real-world applications. For instance, using simple materials like a handful of sticks and chalk can facilitate a hands-on approach to learning the multiplication grid method. Students can arrange the sticks to visually represent numbers and their relationships, while chalk can be used to write out problems directly on the ground. This interactive method not only makes learning more engaging but also helps to illuminate patterns in multiplication, making it easier for students to understand.

Furthermore, encouraging students to work in pairs fosters an environment of collaborative learning. Discussion between peers can enhance comprehension, as they explain concepts to one another and articulate their thought processes. This peer feedback is invaluable; it allows students to clarify misconceptions and reinforces their own understanding as they help others.

I find that this outdoor, interactive approach significantly enriches the learning experience for children of all ages and abilities. By stepping away from conventional classroom settings, students have the opportunity to solidify challenging mathematical concepts through experiential learning. This method encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, ultimately boosting their confidence and broadening their overall mathematical knowledge. In summary, integrating outdoor learning into mathematics education can make a lasting impact, equipping students with the skills and understanding they need to thrive.

Colour and Text Lesson

I have created a worksheet to support a colour and texture walk. You can email me at hello@garethmate.com for the pdf or visit my resources site for more. Gareth Mate's Teaching Resources - Teaching Resources - TES