Explore
Nature, waiting to be discovered!
Nature, with its diverse ecosystems, serves as an ideal playground, igniting children's curiosity, prompting inquiry, exploration, risk-taking, imaginative engagement, and problem-solving. At Hudson, we empower children to take risks in their exploration of nature, fostering joy and a spirit of adventure in outdoor play. This approach not only results in genuine hands-on learning experiences but also cultivates valuable social, physical, and cognitive skills. Children construct a sense of place through meaningful play inspired by their interests and curiosities, constituting an emergent curriculum.
During our sessions in Hudson's forest parks and mud puddles, children are guided in their play, connecting with the land and exploring the rich biodiversity of Hudson's environment. Through self-challenge, children develop resilience, overcome fears, enhance self-esteem, build physical and emotional competence, problem-solve, and learn to keep themselves safe.
Ann Pelo aptly expresses the significance of understanding one's place: “Every child lives someplace. And that someplace begins to matter when children are invited to know where they are and to participate in the unfolding life of that place.”
What is a Forest School?
Forest School, as defined by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, as an educational ethos and practice centred on the Land and child-at-play. It involves regular access to the same outdoor space over an extended period, with learning guided by a pedagogical framework rooted in place, play, emergent curriculum, and inquiry.
Forest School Canada upholds three key principles: Trust, Reciprocal Relationships, and Freedom.
While the roots of "Forest School" can be traced to Denmark through the United Kingdom, it is essential to acknowledge Indigenous people's longstanding connection and learning from the Land in Canada.
Benefits:
Improved confidence, social skills, communication, motivation, and concentration
Enhanced physical stamina, fine and gross motor skills
Positive identity formation for individuals and communities
Development of environmentally sustainable behaviors and ecological literacy
Increased knowledge of the environment and higher frequency of nature visits within families
Healthy and safe risk-taking
Enhanced creativity and resilience
Improved academic achievement, self-regulation, and higher-level cognitive skills
Reduced stress, increased patience, self-discipline, attention capacity, and recovery from mental fatigue
Forest School fosters holistic growth, encouraging a positive connection with the environment, personal development, and academic success.
Reference Links:
Canadian Toolkit: Risk-Benefit Assessment for Outdoor Play
The history of Forest Schools in the UK
The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada