FOREST AFTERNOONS (OFFERED WEEKLY FOR CHILDREN AGED 3+ YEARS).
What’s magical about the forest is that there is no physical barrier such as a door or a wall. Borderless space exists and nature itself is the only boundary. One-off experiences are frequent and the setting is constantly shifting.
The forest appeals to children’s senses and addresses all of their developmental areas. Ideally, we would have weekly forest afternoon sessions, in order to:
- bring the children closer to nature and get to know the seasons
- deepen their relationship to the forest and its creatures
- discover the forest as a living and experience space with all the senses
- promote the understanding of nature.
The world of imagination without the presence of toys brings countless of possibilities, which could be explored, attempted and investigated. The forest is also a place of silence and acts as a retreat from a noisy and stressful setting.
Nature offers a ground for instant life experiences:
Motoric
Nature enables children to have movement in an environment of a different setting. Their deepened sense of awareness of their own body and its functions (body control) and self-confidence are also increased. Movement in fresh air promotes good health. Together, the motoric system and sensory perception encourage the use of the brain through thinking.
Sensory Perception
Our senses correspond to the diversity of our natural environment. The experience of the four elements (earth, water, air, fire), belong to the existential bases of a person’s life. Sensory perception also includes the experience of silence and varying moods.
Emotional Reference
Sensory experiences appeals to one’s emotions. Wonder, sympathy, admiration and enthusiasm are triggered in children. The result is care, awe and respect for nature.
Seasons
The central element of nature is the seasons, which are experienced together with weather.
Varied learning location
First comes recognition, then understanding. Children predominantly learn by doing, experimenting, observing and experiencing. The forest offers countless opportunities for concrete learning. The only basic requirements for this are their own senses of curiosity and the joy of discovery.
Toys
The forest is free of ready-made toys. Things to play with in the forest are made of natural materials, coupled with their own creativity and imagination — it takes creativity to the highest degree.
Self and social skills
Games we play in the forest promote self and social competence. Interpersonal connection, dependability, communication, respect and willingness to help are necessary. Many things can only be achieved though team work.
One’s own schedule
Every child has their own individual timing, as far as learning and personal development are concerned. The forest provides the necessary space to strengthen every child’s individual abilities – within the group and for themselves.