Forest School: Nurturing Resilience and Confidence in Children

Hello Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning Families. 

Today, we are going to talk about Nurturing Resilience and Confidence in Children. As educators, our goal is to equip children with the skills and self-assurance necessary for success in life. Forest School presents an innovative educational approach that can help us achieve this objective.

How Forest School Cultivates Resilience and Confidence

Forest School promotes resilience and confidence in children in various ways:

• Encourages Risk-Taking: Children are motivated to take risks and try new activities, which helps them build resilience and self-assurance.
• Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Forest School aids children in honing their problem-solving abilities, vital for fostering resilience and confidence.
• Fosters Independence: Children are encouraged to work independently, make decisions, and care for themselves.
• Provides Reflection Opportunities: Forest School offers moments for children to contemplate their experiences, enhancing their resilience and confidence.

The Advantages of Forest School for Children

The benefits of Forest School for children are extensive:

• Enhanced Mental Health: Forest School has been proven to boost children's mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Greater Confidence: Participation in Forest School helps children build confidence and self-esteem.
• Improved Academic Performance: Research indicates that children involved in Forest School perform better academically.
• Enhanced Social Skills: Forest School aids in developing social skills, which are essential for success in life.

Forest School offers a groundbreaking educational approach that helps children cultivate resilience, confidence, and a passion for learning. By providing opportunities for exploration and discovery in the natural world, Forest School inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and awe.

Want more information? Please check out our website: www.littlewiseowls.com for more resources and information. Call us today to get your child registered for our September start up. 

We hope this post has motivated you to explore the benefits of Forest School for the children in your life! Do you have any thoughts or questions? Please share them with us below!

- Mandy L 

Owner/Operator for Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning 

Embracing Nature: The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children

Hello Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning Community!

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget the importance of spending time outdoors.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it's our responsibility to ensure that children are given the opportunity to explore and learn from the natural world.

Benefits of Outdoor Play:

Research has shown that outdoor play has a wide range of benefits for children, including:

Improved physical health and wellbeing

Enhanced cognitive development and creativity

Better social skills and emotional intelligence

Increased curiosity and love of learning

Reduced stress and anxiety

Why Outdoor Play Matters:

Outdoor play is essential for children's development because it allows them to:

Explore and discover the natural world

Develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking

Learn about science, nature, and the environment

Build confidence and self-esteem

Make friends and develop social skills

Tips for Encouraging Outdoor Play:

Here are some tips for encouraging outdoor play:

Create a backyard or outdoor space

Plan outdoor activities and games that are fun and engaging

Encourage children to explore and discover the natural world

Model outdoor behavior and show children the importance of spending time outside

Make outdoor play a priority and schedule it into your daily routine

Conclusion:

Outdoor play is essential for children's development and wellbeing. By encouraging children to spend time outside, we can help them develop important skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. This is why Forest School is such a great program to enroll your child into and to further expand their love of nature.

We hope this post has inspired you to get outside and play with the children in your life! Do you have any favorite outdoor activities or games? Share them with us below!

Cheers,

Mandy - Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning

Forest School: Where Failure is a Superpower

Hello Little Wise Owls Community. This week we will discuss why children need to experience new things to develop resilience and personal growth.

In traditional classroom settings, failure is often seen as, well, a failure. But what if we told you that in forest school, failure is not only accepted but celebrated?

Embracing the Art of Failure: In forest school, children are encouraged to take risks, try new things, and push beyond their comfort zones. And yes, that means they'll sometimes fail. But it's in those moments of failure that the real learning happens. The Power of Resilience When children are given the freedom to fail, they develop resilience. They learn to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and try again. And it's this resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives. Fostering a Growth Mindset Forest school encourages children to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than threats to their ego. This growth mindset helps them develop a love of learning that extends far beyond the forest. What Does Failure Look Like in Forest School?

• A child tries to build a shelter, but it collapses.
• A group of children attempt to start a fire, but it doesn't light.
• A child tries to climb a tree, but they don't make it.

What Happens Next?

• The child rebuilds the shelter, using what they learned from their mistake.
• The group of children tries again, using different techniques to start the fire.
• The child tries again, using different strategies to climb the tree.

Conclusion In forest school, failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of the journey. By embracing failure as a superpower, we can help children develop the resilience, grit, and growth mindset they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

- Mandy (Owner of Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning) ECE and CNAC Forest and Nature Practitioner

IMPORTANT: Privacy Disclaimer
Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of our participants. As such, we do not post information/photos of children on this blog.

A Day in the Life: What to Expect at Forest School

Hello friends,

As the sun rises over the treetops, the forest comes alive with the sounds of nature. Birds chirp, leaves rustle, and the scent of damp earth fills the air. This is the world of Forest School, where children are free to explore, learn, and grow in harmony with the natural world. Here is what happens at Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through a typical day at Forest School, showcasing the unique experiences and opportunities that await your child. Morning Gathering The day begins with a gentle gathering, where children and educators come together to share stories, sing songs, and set tone for the day. This is a special time for building relationships, fostering a sense of community. Exploration Time With the morning gathering complete, the children are free to explore the forest, guided by their curiosity and sense of wonder. They might climb trees, collect leaves, or follow a stream, all under the watchful eyes of our experienced educators. Nature-Based Learning As the morning unfolds, our educators will introduce various nature-based learning activities, carefully designed to promote cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These might include: - Identifying and learning about different plant species - Exploring the life cycle of insects and animals - Creating natural art using materials found in the forest Snack Time After a busy morning of exploration and learning, it's time for a snack. Hot drink is offered when the cold months arrive as well. Outdoor Games and Adventures Forest school offers outdoor games, adventures, and physical activity, all designed to promote teamwork, communication, and gross motor skills. These might include: - Nature scavenger hunts - Outdoor obstacle courses - Team-building challenges Closing Circle As the morning draws to a close, we gather once more for a closing circle. This is a special time for reflecting on the day's experiences, sharing stories, and saying goodbye to the forest until next class. What to Expect At Forest School, we prioritize: - Child-led learning and exploration - Nature-based education and outdoor adventure - Building resilience, confidence, and self-esteem - Fostering a sense of community and teamwork - Promoting cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills Get in Touch Ready to learn more about Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning and our programs? Email: littlewiseowlsoutdoorlearning@gmail.com Website: www.littlewiseowls.com We look forward to welcoming you to our forest community!

-Mandy

Owner/Operator of Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning

IMPORTANT: Privacy Disclaimer
Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of our participants. As such, we do not post information/photos of children on this blog.

Embracing the Wild: The Magic of Forest School for Children

Hello Forest Friends, 

As we step into the forest, the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds envelop us in a sense of wonder.

For children, the forest is a place of endless discovery, where curiosity and imagination know no bounds. At Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning, we believe that forest school is an essential part of a child's educational journey.

What is Forest School? Forest school is an outdoor education approach that immerses children in nature, fostering a deep connection with the natural world. It's a child-led, inquiry-based approach that encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Forest school is not just about learning in nature; it's about learning from nature. Benefits of Forest School for Children: Research has shown that forest school has numerous benefits for children, including: - Improved physical and mental health - Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills - Increased confidence and self-esteem - Better social skills and teamwork - A deeper understanding and appreciation of nature Our Approach to Forest School: At Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning, we're passionate about providing a high-quality forest school experience for children. Our experienced educators are trained in outdoor education and are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for children to learn and grow. Our forest school program includes: - Nature-based learning activities, such as plant identification, animal tracking, and outdoor art - Outdoor games and play, promoting physical activity and socialization - Storytelling and circle time, fostering a sense of community and emotional intelligence - Opportunities for children to take risks, make choices, and develop resilience Join Our Forest School Community: If you're interested in learning more about our forest school program or would like to register your child, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming your family to our Little Wise Owls community! Get Involved: Stay up-to-date with our latest news, updates, and tips on outdoor learning by following us on social media. Subscribe to our Facebook page to receive exclusive updates and inspiration for outdoor learning. Contact Us: Email: littlewiseowlsoutdoor@gmail.com Website: www.littlewiseowls.com

Stay wild, stay curious, and we'll see you on the next adventure!

- Mandy

IMPORTANT: Privacy Disclaimer
Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of our participants. As such, we do not post information/photos of children on this blog.