In a forest school, the classroom is the great outdoors, where children can learn from nature itself. Unfortunately, many preschoolers spend too much time indoors, missing out on the benefits of outdoor play and exploration. This lack of nature exposure can lead to various health issues, including obesity, hyperactivity, and stress.
Experts believe that spending time in nature can help children develop a sense of calm and focus, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Outdoor education is seen as a way to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time and lack of physical activity. By prioritizing nature-based learning in early childhood programs, states can help mitigate these health risks, especially for low-income children with limited access to outdoor spaces.
One pediatric occupational therapist, Angela Hanscom, believes that children are becoming increasingly play-deprived, which can hinder their overall development. She emphasizes the importance of outdoor play in helping children regulate their behavior and improve their attention spans. Hanscom points out that forcing children to sit still for extended periods can have a detrimental effect on their neurological development.
The concept of kindergarten, originally introduced by Friedrich Froebel, emphasized the importance of nature in early childhood education. However, many modern preschool programs have moved away from this ideal. Researchers suggest that incorporating more outdoor time into preschool curriculums can have numerous benefits, including improved mental health, academic performance, and executive functioning.
Forest schools, rooted in Scandinavian tradition, have gained popularity as a way to provide outdoor education to young children. These schools offer a unique learning environment that allows children to explore and play in nature. Research has shown that spending time outdoors can enhance children’s cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.
In California, there are efforts to include more outdoor time in preschool programs, but there is still room for improvement in supporting nature-based schools. While outdoor education faces challenges in the American educational system, advocates believe in the transformative power of nature to inspire curiosity and learning in children.