Guide to Forest School and Outdoor Homeschool Programs

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Last Updated on December 1, 2024 by Sarah McCubbin

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As parents explore different educational options, forest school homeschool programs are an attractive option that promotes outdoor, hands on learning in a natural setting.

There are many variations on the forest school model. Some actually happen in a forest and others integrate outdoor learning with indoor learning. If you are looking to add more nature studies to your child’s learning, it’s important to know what the different program options are that might meet your family’s needs. 

Years ago, a couple of my boys attended a Waldorf School for one year. I was fascinated by the way they integrated the outdoors into classroom learning and the philosophy that encouraged many hours of outdoor play every day. Having homeschooled traditionally for many years, this was all new to me at that point. Of course, there was also a LOT of structure at that school and that wasn’t quite what we were looking for either. 

Fast forward 5 years and my younger two spent their summer at a Farm School homeschool program where I taught. Here we were again integrating so many natural elements into all kinds of learning. There were no books or worksheets, but only practical skills and life skills. 

Forest schools have some overlapping concepts with Waldorf or farm schools but they are much more play-based making them a great option for preschool kids or integration into elementary education. 

Sometimes families are looking for an immersive drop off class, but other times, parents are looking for something where they stay and volunteer. Each option has a very different price tag too! 

What Is A Forest School?

A Forest School is an educational approach that immerses young children in the natural environment, encouraging learning experiences through exploration and play in outdoor settings such as wooded areas or nearby forests. Originating in early childhood education, this approach focuses on fostering social skills, cognitive development, and emotional intelligence by interacting with natural materials and the natural world. In contrast to traditional classroom settings, outdoor schools emphasize a self-directed learning style that promotes problem-solving and adaptability.

What Is a Forest School Homeschool Program?

A Forest School Homeschool Program incorporates the same principles as a forest school into a home-based learning environment. These programs are designed to provide children with immersive outdoor experiences that mirror the forest school sessions found in organized forest preschools.

Parents take on the role of facilitators, guiding their children’s holistic growth and development through regular outdoor learning and free play in natural settings. This program is particularly beneficial in urban areas, offering children opportunities for physical activity and exposure to the natural world that might otherwise be limited.

Farm School are another outdoorsy homeschool program option!

Forest School History

The forest school concept originated in Denmark in the 1950s, where Danish forest schools gained popularity as an innovative form of child care and early education.

The first known modern forest school in the United States began in the early 2000s, and since then, the approach has spread, influencing the creation of many nature schools, outdoor preschools and nature preschools. The Laona Forest School in Wisconsin is an example of one of the earliest forest schools in the U.S.

Common Activities In A Forest School

While every forest school is different, there are some common activities that you can expect to see in different programs. These will of course vary with the age of the children. Every program will be different and will integrate activities largely based on the resources that are naturally available at their location. 

A forest school with a creek is going to have different kinds of exploration opportunities than one without a creek. A school on 3 acres is going to be different from one on 25 acres. Expect that each forest school will take advantage of what their location has to offer. 

Here are some activities you might find in a Forest School program.

1. Nature Exploration and Discovery

• Bug hunting: Observing insects and learning about their habitats.
• Plant identification: Learning to recognize different trees, plants, and flowers.
• Tracking animals: Looking for animal tracks or signs of wildlife.

2. Den Building and Shelter Creation

• Using natural materials like branches, leaves, and logs to construct temporary shelters.
• Learning teamwork and problem-solving in the process.

3. Fire Building and Cooking

• Children learn how to safely build and manage a small campfire.
• Cooking simple foods like marshmallows or bread on sticks over the fire.

4. Tool Use and Crafting

• Using basic tools like whittling knives or saws (under supervision) to make simple items like wooden spoons or small sculptures.
• Crafting with natural materials, such as making leaf crowns, clay animals, or twig art.

5. Climbing, Balancing, and Physical Play

• Climbing trees, balancing on logs, or creating obstacle courses.
• Playing active games that encourage coordination and physical confidence.

6. Storytelling and Imaginative Play

• Acting out stories inspired by the forest environment.
• Using natural elements like stones, sticks, and leaves for role-play and imaginative games.

7. Wildlife Observation

• Birdwatching and listening to different bird calls.
• Observing seasonal changes in the forest and the behaviors of animals.

8. Mindfulness and Sensory Activities

• Guided sensory activities like listening to the sounds of the forest or feeling different textures.
• Practicing quiet reflection or meditation surrounded by nature.

9. Environmental Stewardship

• Learning about conservation and taking care of the forest.
• Picking up litter or participating in simple conservation tasks like planting trees or maintaining paths.

Forest schools aim to develop confidence, independence, and resilience in children while fostering a love and respect for nature.

Forest Schools Near Me

Finding a forest school near you can be as simple as searching for local forest preschools or outdoor classrooms in your area.

Search for Outdoor programs in your area by zip code!

The Natural Start Alliance is a great resource for locating forest school practitioners and programs that align with your child’s learning style. Additionally, many public schools and private schools now offer forest school sessions or incorporate forest school ideas into their curriculum, especially in the form of summer camps and outdoor nursery programs.

Pros and Cons of Forest Schools

Over the years, one of the biggest things I’ve realized is that it’s fine to have a philosophy of education, but oftentimes, a child’s own learning styles must be taken into account.  
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I remember when I first discovered lapbooks….these cute hands on learning tools where you cut and paste a whole bunch of pieces while you learn about a topic. I’m a crafty girl so I LOVED the idea of lapbooks. My boys would have NONE of it. I bought all the lapbooks…my hard drive is full of them!  It didn’t matter…they were not interested. 

In the same way, all of the education methods we are using need to be run through a filter. Is the activity we are doing working for our kids…is it working for us? 

Forest Schools can be a great fit for kids that love the outdoors or that have lots of wiggles! 

Benefits of Forest Schools

• Cognitive Development: Learning in a natural environment improves children’s thinking skills and promotes problem-solving through interaction with nature.
• Social Skills: Regular participation in group games improves communication and emotional intelligence.
• Physical Activity: Almost all of a forest school program is outdoors which leads to a lot of exercise and free play. 
• Environmental Education: Forest school students develop a deeper connection with the environment, fostering a strong sense of responsibility towards nature and a better understanding of climate change.
• Holistic Growth: The forest school approach promotes holistic growth of the child…not just academics, focusing on the interests of the children and encouraging self-directed play.
• Language Development: Exposure to different natural elements and experiences aids in children’s language development as they describe and interact with the world around them.

Disadvantages of Forest Schools

• Bad Weather: Forest school sessions often take place outdoors, meaning students must be prepared for bad weather. Parents may need to invest in the right clothes to ensure their child is comfortable and safe.
• Limited Access: In some urban areas, it may be difficult to find accessible wooded areas or nature-based programs for children.
• Unofficial Form of Daycare: Some parents may see forest schools as an unofficial form of daycare, particularly in environments where parent volunteers play an active role in the program.
• Academic Performance: While forest schools focus heavily on cognitive development and problem-solving, there may be concerns about whether they adequately support academic performance, particularly for older children.

A Common Sense Approach to Forest School Education

If you are looking for that outdoor classroom experience for your kids, take some time to do your research. Don’t just settle for the first program you find near you. It is so helpful to look at different programs so that you can compare what they offer and confidently make a choice based on the different offerings that exist. 

Do you want a forest school program as a form of daycare or are you looking for something a few hours a week to integrate nature studies into your kid’s education? Do you want this to be the primary way they learn or part of a bigger picture? 

Will the programs you look at work for the temperament of your child? Do they require a full year of tuition or can you try it out. Ask all the questions before you commit! 

But when you do, be prepared for your child to love this very unique form of education! In the mean time, head outside and explore your own backyard or a park nearby. Kids are great at creating their own learning experiences!

More Reading:

• 13 Pros and Cons of a Hybrid Homeschool Education
• 12 Pros and Cons of Joining a Homeschool Co-op
• 6 Best Places to Find Homeschool Co-op Groups in My Area