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

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