Forest School at Mt Peter Early Learning
"Nature Pedagogy is an understanding of our sense of belonging to land, our sense of working with nature. There is a pedagogical shift when you move outside into nature... it's learning with nature, not just teaching about it." Claire Warden
Where Nature Becomes the Classroom
Imagine a program where towering trees replace classroom walls, bugs in books are swapped out for real ones and playing in the dirt isn’t frowned upon.
Forest School at Mount Peter Early Learning allows children to learn, play, and grow in nature. We believe that time spent outdoors is invaluable for building confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Through activities like climbing, digging, and exploring, your child will connect with the natural world in a safe and guided way.
What’s Forest School All About?
Forest School isn’t just outdoor play — it’s an immersive approach to learning that connects children with nature. Originating in Scandinavia in the 1950s and inspired by the philosophy of ‘friluftsliv’ (open-air living), Forest School spread to the UK in the 1990s and has since evolved in countries like Canada and beyond. Living in Mount Peter means having incredible bushland right on your doorstep – the perfect setting for little ones to explore and connect with nature through programs like Forest School.
How Does Forest School Benefit Your Child?
Forest School offers numerous benefits for children’s development and well-being, including:
- Physical Development: Encourages active play that enhances coordination, balance, and overall fitness.
- Emotional Growth: Builds confidence and resilience through outdoor challenges and exploration.
- Cognitive Skills: Promotes problem-solving and creativity through hands-on learning experiences.
- Social Interaction: Cultivates teamwork and communication skills in a natural setting.
According to Nature Play QLD, outdoor learning enhances children’s intrinsic motivation, lesson enjoyment, creativity, and critical thinking, while also improving health, social skills, and behaviour. These programs are invaluable for holistic child development.
A Day in the Life at Forest School
Our Forest School days are all about outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. Once a week, children set off to our nearby local bushland. They might fish in the creek, slide down mud hills, or balance on tree logs.
With the guidance of our educators, these activities help children build confidence, connect with friends, and discover the natural world. Forest School is generally a highlight of the week, it’s a great way for children to build a deeper connection with nature and a sense of gratitude for the world around them.
Embracing Calculated Risks
Forest School allows children to engage in appropriate risk-taking, which is crucial for holistic development. As they become more familiar with the outdoor environment, children develop risk-assessment skills and learn to make informed choices.
Our educators support this process, recognising children’s competence in managing their safety and that of others. This approach builds resilience, boosts confidence, and promotes healthy development.
The Educators Role
In Forest School, our educators become ‘co-explorers’, guiding children as they investigate and uncover answers to their questions. They skillfully balance when to guide learning and when to step back, allowing for authentic interactions and firsthand discoveries.
Safety is Our Priority, Adventure is Our Promise!
Connecting with Country
Forest School offers a tangible way to build a connection to Country. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we learn and play, weaving Indigenous perspectives into our program to help children understand the profound relationship between culture and the environment.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parents to be part of the Forest School journey. We provide regular updates on your child’s experiences and offer opportunities for family nature days. This involvement helps parents appreciate their child’s capabilities, including their developing risk management skills.
Ready for Your Child to Embark on a Wild Adventure?
At Mount Peter Early Learning, we’re not just educating children – we’re nurturing the next generation of nature enthusiasts, innovative thinkers, and confident explorers.
Book a tour today and see how our Forest School program can support your child’s growth and love for the outdoors.