The Role of The Child

The "child's day begins with those first sensual experiences of the natural world. The sounds of the birds and other forest creatures, the crunch of snow or branches underfoot, and the whistle of the wind in the trees; the first view of the meeting place, the sight of a bird in flight, the blue or overcast sky overhead; the feeling of cold air, the sun’s warm rays, or the touch of pine boughs on skin; the smell of the trees, the earth, and sometimes a fire; sometimes they can even taste those smells as the wind brings them to the group. These sensual experiences create anticipation of the day ahead."

Group meeting  where children are able to bonds together and gives voice to their first impressions and any ideas that might lead to unforeseen adventures.

Children become familiar with nature/natural environment

Child-led pedagogy where children will lead themselves and/or the group at large.

Children bring their own personalities, their own experiences, and their own stories to the group


Interview link with educators about what children do in a forest school setting.





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The Child's Role- "Children have the time and space for play that is child-initiated and child led. The leader suggests activities but children can follow their own agenda. Natural resources are used together with the children’s interests to stimulate imaginative, creative and investigative activities. These activities help children to take risks safely and be responsible, take care of themselves and others. The sessions have structure and there is a break for a shared snack sitting in the log circle when there is time to reflect. Children learn to use tools for a purpose. They may whittle sticks, climb trees, collect things, study wildlife, listen to the birds, build dens and help light fires. Later in the sessions they may cook on the fire."