Resources for Nature Based Learning
Forest Fridays Book
Forest Fridays - how one primary school made Forest School happen shares the story of how, over the past ten years, Forest School has become a part of life in one Dublin school - Dalkey School Project. Teacher Jennifer Dungan shares a wealth of knowledge and experience in bringing the Forest School approach to the Irish Primary Curriculum. Forest School Leader Yuuki Blakeney has transformed hours of observations and interviews into a compelling and inspiring story.
This book is a must-read for any principal, teacher, Forest School Leader or parent who wants to learn first-hand how incredible the Forest School approach can be.
What is Forest School? Mini Documentary
This short documentary was filmed with the pupils, staff and parents of Dalkey School Project. If you want to know what Forest School looks like, how the sessions are structured and hear what teachers, a principal and parents have to say about it then this is a must watch!
Guide to planning Nature Based Learning sessions
PDF Guide
Want to get started planning? The Nature-Centric model (based on Jon Young's work) is an amazing tool for planning Nature Based Learning sessions. It is inspired by the cycle of the sun throughout the day and encourages a natural flow from one activity to the next. Download this fantastic guide that includes lots of examples of how it can be applied (in the real world!) for a typical primary school group.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I get started?
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How does this link in with the curriculum?
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How do we support every child?
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What if I don’t know the names of the plants the children find?
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What if your student ‘just’ want to play and not do the activity I’ve prepared?
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What happens if it rains?
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Is there any training in Nature Based Learning?
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But what about?
How do I get started?
Familiarise yourself with the outdoor space you can use. Get permission if needed.
Find an ally on your staff or a parent volunteer. Chat about what might work.
Communicate with parents about the practicalities - clothing, benefits of outdoor learning, timings etc.
Remember that this is a long term process. Like September, setting up good systems and getting the children used to them pays dividends for the rest of the year. The first couple of sessions take more energy. Good enough is definitely good enough!
Keep it simple, both in planning and resources so you can concentrate on developing good relationships.
Prepare the children in class beforehand and tell them what the main activity will be so they arrive with ideas and possibilities.
How does Forest School link in with the curriculum?
The Nature based learning approach supports the aims of the Primary School Curriculum - encouraging a love of learning, developing each child’s potential to the full and providing lifelong skills. It provides a framework to assist schools in delivering the Education for Sustainable Development goals, a key part of our EU and UN commitments towards a more sustainable future for all. Moreover, learning in nature increases wellbeing and self-esteem and decreases anxiety. For more information take a look at the Forest School and Nature Based Learning pages and the resources at the top of this page.
How do we support every child?
The long term aspect of this work means that we develop a relationship with each child and each session is based on observation, reflection, adaptation and planning (ORAP). We check in at the start of each session as to how they are and what they might need and the session is adaptable to differing needs. The environment itself provides support to every child. The fresh air, the freedom to move, the choice based learning all gives each child an opportunity to meet their own needs and we can support them in this.
What if I don’t know the names of the plants the children find?
It’s okay! You don’t need to know everything. In fact, even if you do know a name, it can be very helpful to enter into the curiosity and wonder without naming it at the start. Nature is our teacher and helps us learn by giving us opportunities to observe and be curious. Nobody knows everything and the children love when they lead the learning. We remember things that we discover for ourselves rather than being told the answer. We create a community of learning and we learn together with the children. This develops a wonderful attitude to learning and can lead the learning back into the classroom feeding into many aspects of the curriculum as you research possibilities and find out more.
What if my students "just want to play" and not do the activity I’ve prepared?
In the Nature based learning approach we recognise that play a powerful tool for learning especially when in a rich learning outdoor environment. As the children play, they explore, discover and grow. They learn to work together, understand rules and boundaries, develop their language and listening skills, regulate their emotions and get their sensory and physical needs met. Every game, every activity, whether chosen by the child or the adult, and every moment of fun is a step toward a more resilient, independent, confident and creative learner.
Through play we take on roles and ideas and try them out. We can play out feelings and make sense of experiences. The common definition of play is ‘freely chosen, intrinsically motivated and personally directed’.
It can be challenging for us as leaders, when children choose not to do an activity we’ve put a lot of time and energy into. This is when we remind ourselves of how important play is and how much they are active learners. Children choosing to "just play" is the essence of being an active learner, one of the key competencies of the Irish Primary curriculum Framework. “This competency taps into and nurtures children’s innate curiosity and involves having opportunities to interact, investigate, question and wonder.”
For more info on outdoor play from an Irish perspective, have a look at Outdoor Play Matters - from the charity Barnardos.
What happens if it rains?
Is there a weather warning in place? Cancel and let the parents and children know as soon as possible.
If not, make sure children have appropriate waterproof clothing and footwear. Have spare if possible. Send a message to parents the day before reminding them about clothing.
Enjoy the puddles and mud. Children rarely get to play in the mud and rain and if in the right gear usually love it! It is an opportunity to regulate and develop a healthy and integrated sensory processing system. Evidence suggests that exposure to the microbes in mud helps children develop stronger immune systems and may decrease the risk of developing allergies.
Is there any training in Nature Based Learning?
We want to emphasise that as a trained primary teacher, you are qualified to lead learning outdoors already!
However, if you would like to grow your knowledge, there are a number of CPD courses coming on stream and a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Forest School Leadership. Find up to date information on our Courses page.
But what about?
We live in a fear based society which is causing us and the children increased anxiety. There are risks to everything that we do, including (and maybe especially) staying indoors. We can choose a growth mindset to see perceived risks as opportunities to grow. We can choose to figure out how to make it work rather than find a reason not to do it.
We want the children and ourselves to feel safe and to have the opportunity to stretch and expand as we develop confidence and competence. For our sessions we frequently start off with smaller areas and expand our boundaries over time.