Considering how much safer it is to be outdoors than in classrooms, why isn’t anyone talking about forest schools?
There’s also time for kids to explore on their own. Logs quickly transform into boats, and sticks into brooms. The day’s planned activity can change quickly if a child stumbles on an interesting discovery like rabbit tracks or an iced-over puddle, according to Mason. She says all areas of the curriculum can be covered from science and math to the arts and physical education.
Guelph, Ont., mom Amy Duffy, whose son, Cian, 5, and daughter, Eilidh, 7, both attended the Maplewood Forest School program, says they’ve become more confident and independent when playing outside. “It wasn’t until last summer at the cottage that I realized how beneficial forest school has been for them,” Duff says. “They were climbing trees, collecting twigs to build tiny houses and playing with stuff outside that didn’t require toys or prompting from adults.
“You’re engaged, you’re focused, your brain isn’t applying the brakes anymore,” he says. “Whereas a child walking through a crowded mall — their brains are being taxed out.” Spending time in nature also has physical benefits. The statistics are sobering when it comes to how Canadian kids spend their time: Some 46 percent of children ages six to 11 engage in active play for three hours or less every week, according to a 2012 report card from Active Healthy Kids Canada. And children in grades six to 12 spend almost eight hours each day parked in front of the TV or computer.
“With little kids, you can see the confidence that comes from simply walking on undulated terrain in their boots and snowsuits,” says Mason. “You can tell they develop physical skills from that.”
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