Forest kindergarten

Despite these differences, forest kindergartens are meant to fulfill the same basic purpose as other nurseries, namely, to care for, stimulate, and educate young children.

They may also spend a small part of each day indoors, although that is more likely to be for administrative and organisational reasons, such as to provide a known location where parents can deliver and collect their children.

[6] In 2009, the Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) undertook a feasibility study to create a Forest Kindergarten pilot project in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.

This model is based upon empowering early years educators to lead weekly sessions in their local woodland or other greenspace using a child-centred approach.

This Forest Kindergarten training[7] has now been embedded in various Early Years College courses within Scotland and delivered by Learning through Landscapes across the UK.

Aotearoa New Zealand Enviroschools started in 2001,[8] and often incorporate a Māori perspective,[9] and Australia has bush or beach kinders (kindergartens) that provide an outdoor learning program.

Forest kindergartens are also generally less noisy than closed rooms, and noise has been shown to be a factor in the stress level of children and daycare professionals.

[11] Playing outside for prolonged periods has been shown to have a positive impact on children's development, particularly in the areas of balance and agility, but also manual dexterity, physical coordination, tactile sensitivity, and depth perception.

[citation needed] When children from German Waldkindergartens go to primary school, teachers observe a significant improvement in reading, writing, mathematics, social interactions and many other areas.

[18][19] While some parents rush to 'wrap their children in cotton wool',[20] others see outdoor play[21] and forest kindergartens as a way to develop a mature and healthy outlook on life, as well as practical skills and health.