Welcome to SoCal Forest School

The Benefits of Nature Education

There are a number of areas in which children benefit from nature-based learning. One of them is risk assessment. Through outdoor play, children are required to move their bodies to navigate their environment. Additionally, there is more focus on the importance of problem solving and conflict resolution. For example, a group of forest school children come across a stream. They are instructed to work as a team to get to the other side.

While in a classroom with four walls, with this type of scenario, children may come up with ideas to get across, however do not account for the elements that may impact the process such as the current of the water, the effect of the breeze or the weight of the branches being used. There are more opportunities for understanding and for using collaboration if in an experiential learning environment.

Not all classrooms have four walls.    As an advocate for positive social change, it is important that I focus on what can be done locally within my community. Here, I am able to provide the children in my program with meaningful learning experiences. Through this quality program, I can engage families and influential individuals in my community to see the benefits of outdoor play. Through collaboration, enthusiasm and a positive experience, momentum will inform the next phases of the program.