The Value of Nature-Based Learning
December 20, 2023
What is a farm and forest school?
As the name implies, a Farm and Forest School is an educational system that “takes place in a woodland, farm, and/or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world,” per the Forest School Association. The concept began in Laona, Wisconsin in 1927, but later took off in the ‘50s in Sweden and Denmark. It’s having another revival throughout Europe and in the United States today.
Campuses are outdoor spaces where learning takes place entirely out in the open. Lesson plans are created organically from a learner-led approach. That means that teachers act as mentors or guides and are guided by the children’s interests in a natural setting rather than forcing a set lesson plan onto them.
Hands on, experiential learning is the focus with the goal of social and emotional development by encouraging curiosity, exploration, and creativity. In practice that might look like a little one spending all day outside making toys out of sticks and leaves, playing in a creek bed, or exploring science through examining a snail they might find out on the Forest School trail.
Are they accredited with the state?
Once the necessary criteria are met yes, a farm and forest school can be accredited by the State of Washington. Similar accreditations are available in most other states.
It should be noted that this is a growing movement in Europe and the United States. As school districts look at their results, and ponder how they might improve learning, they are looking for alternative ways to educate. In many instances, the old standards which we all grew up with are not working for a large number of children. Thus, the farm & forest school was born and thrives.
A word about Sequia’s Treehouse and Farm & Forest School
Children will learn how to care for animals, plants, and our natural environment. We will work in the garden and compost, plant, weed, gather vegetables and learn to prepare healthy dishes with the items from the garden. We will learn about weather and how to predict it, how to care for animals and where our food comes from, preserving foods, learn to weave and knit along with many other outdoor and homesteading skills. Woodworking and other outdoor projects such as building a cob oven and learning to cook over fire will be a part of this innovative program. We will also take some field trips to estuaries, beaches, nature reserves as part of our environmental education/outdoor learning program. Last but not least-nature crafts and other arts along with access to music in it’s various forms.
Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center, and Farm & Forest School, welcome all families to its school. We believe determinedly in equal opportunity for everyone. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, age, ability, nationality, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, or veteran status.
We do not discriminate in any way within the administration of our educational programs, services, activities, or employment practices.
