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Why Learn Outside?

Forest programs have been well-established in Europe for over 70 years and are one of the fastest growing models for early-childhood education in the United States

Social and
Emotional Skills 

  • Multi-age model organically provides a rich playground for social and emotional learning
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  • Older children naturally want to model for younger children and become mentors and co-teachers
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  • Project-based learning requires teamwork, communication, empathy, and compromise

Creative
Thinking

  • Transforming natural materials for a specific purpose requires thinking outside of the box
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  • Child-led learning sparks imagination and does not follow a specific process or learning style
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  • Agreed-upon projects are open-ended and incorporate input from the entire group

Resilience and 
Independence

  • Child-led learning fosters independence and encourages children to advocate for their ideas
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  • Navigating the forest requires learning how to assess and take risks which builds confidence
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  • Being outdoors in all four seasons gets children out of their comfort zone and builds grit 

Focus
and Calm

  • Studies have shown that being in nature has calming effects and is beneficial for ADHD
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  • Individuals have opportunities to move their bodies freely and burn off excess energy
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  • Child-led learning allows children to follow their interests which promotes concentration 

Active
and Healthier

  • Children are significantly more active than in a traditional classroom setting
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  • Prolonged physical activity improves motor skills and reduces the risk of obesity
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  • Being outdoors breathing fresh air lowers the risk of contacting and spreading illness 
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