Introduction to Forest School Ethos

In the realm of childhood education, the ethos of embracing risk emerges not only as a fundamental principle but also as a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of every child. As the second forest school founded in SIngapore, we stand by a mission that transcends conventional boundaries, aiming not just to educate but to empower, inspire, and stretch the limits of what children believe they can achieve. In this endeavor, the concept of risk-taking plays a pivotal role, serving as a gateway to resilience, growth, and living a more fulfilled life.

Navigating Concerns about Risk

We understand that concerns about safety may lead some parents to feel apprehensive about their children taking risks, for instance, as the children climb, parkour or work with sharp tools. As educators and coaches and parents ourselves, we recognize the natural inclination to protect children from harm. It's human nature to feel a sense of protectiveness, and allowing children to take risks can evoke feelings of discomfort in us as well. Yet, despite these inherent hesitations, we continue to dedicate ourselves to this work. Why? Because we understand the profound importance of balanced risk-taking in the development and growth of children (Sandseter, Kleppe & Kennair, 2023). While it is much easier for us as educators to avoid any potential risks altogether, doing so would deprive children of valuable learning opportunities and hinder their ability to develop essential life skills. We understand the importance of striking a delicate balance between providing opportunities for growth and ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.

Balancing Safety and Growth

To address this challenge, Nature Den coaches and educators are trained to implement the principles of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), a key concept in developmental psychology pioneered by Lev Vygotsky. The ZPD refers to the range of tasks that a child cannot yet do alone but can accomplish with the help of a more knowledgeable individual. In the context of forest school education, this means carefully scaffolding learning experiences to ensure that the challenges sought are just beyond the child's current level of mastery, allowing them to stretch and grow without feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. Nature Den Forest Schools also commits to ensuring small coach-to-student ratios and a supportive environment which underscores our dedication to fostering psychological safety, allowing children to explore their capabilities with confidence.

The Demands of Forest School Education

Indeed, forest school education is a demanding and energy-intensive endeavor. As coaches, we pour our hearts and souls into every session, knowing that we play a crucial role in shaping the experiences and growth of the children under our care. While the rewards of forest school education are immeasurable, it's also a well-known fact among coaches that we often find ourselves in need of recuperation and decompression after a day spent in forest school!

Rest needed after a day of forest school

The Role of Coaches in Forest School

At Nature Den Forest Schools, we feel strongly about helping each and every child to scale to their fullest potential because we feel so much love for every child and believe that every child is capable of greatness. As adults, we have a responsibility to create an environment that nurtures and cultivates their unique talents and abilities. Through experiential learning, outdoor adventures, and hands-on exploration led by the children, we empower children to push past their comfort zones and embrace challenges.

The Transformative Power of Experiential Learning

From the hundreds of sessions that we have conducted, we have come to realize that growth occurs most profoundly in moments of discomfort and uncertainty. By allowing children the space and trust in situations that require them to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate with their peers, we create opportunities for transformative learning experiences that transcend the confines of traditional classroom settings. Whether it's building a makeshift shelter, navigating a challenging self-designed obstacle course, or identifying different plant species in the wilderness, every activity that our learners seek fosters resilience, awareness, perseverance, and a deep-seated belief in one's own potential.

Benefits of Risk-Taking in Child Development

Risky play opportunities in forest school environments contribute to keeping children safe (Sandseter, 2019) through several mechanisms that may seem counterintuitive at first glance but align with principles of holistic child development and risk management:

Risk Assessment Skills: By engaging in risky play, children learn to assess and manage risks themselves. Instead of being shielded from all potential dangers, they learn to identify hazards and make informed decisions about how to navigate them. This ability to assess risks empowers children to avoid dangerous situations not only during play but also in other aspects of their lives.
Physical Competence: Participating in risky activities such as climbing trees or balancing on uneven terrain helps children develop physical strength, coordination, and agility. Stronger and more physically capable children are less likely to sustain injuries during everyday activities, as they have better control over their bodies and can react more effectively to unexpected situations.
Emotional Resilience: Risky play provides children with opportunities to experience setbacks and failures in a controlled environment. Through these experiences, they learn resilience and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with challenges. This emotional resilience can translate into safer behavior by helping children remain calm and composed in stressful or risky situations, reducing the likelihood of impulsive or panicked reactions that could lead to accidents.
Supervised Risk Management: Forest school educators play a crucial role in facilitating risky play while ensuring safety. Through careful observation and intervention when necessary, educators help children navigate risky situations while minimizing the likelihood of serious harm. This supervised approach allows children to explore their boundaries and capabilities in a supportive environment, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Building Trust and Communication: Engaging in risky play fosters trust between children and educators. Children learn to trust in their own abilities as well as in the guidance provided by adults. This trust facilitates open communication, allowing children to express concerns or ask for help when needed, which can prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences.
Overall, risky play opportunities in forest school settings contribute to keeping children safe by promoting risk assessment skills, physical competence, emotional resilience, supervised risk management, and trustful communication—all of which are essential components of a comprehensive approach to safety and well-being.

By engaging in activities that require them to navigate uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and learn from failure, children not only develop the skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing world but also cultivate a mindset that embraces challenge and views setbacks as opportunities for growth. By shielding them from all forms of uncertainty, we inadvertently limit their potential for growth and development. Children who are encouraged to push their boundaries and explore the unknown are more likely to develop a sense of curiosity, creativity, and intrinsic motivation (Fisher et al., 2011). By providing them with opportunities to engage in adventurous play and unstructured exploration, we lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning and discovery, instilling in them the confidence to pursue their passions and dreams with unwavering determination.

Implications for Health and Well-being

In addition to its profound impact on personal development, embracing risk in forest school education has significant implications for health and well-being. Research has shown that these benefits can “apply in primary, secondary and higher and lifelong education” (Kiviranta et al., 2024). By integrating experiential learning opportunities into the co-created curriculum, forest schools provide children with a holistic education that transcends traditional boundaries and fosters a love for life and learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

Indeed, the skills and competencies acquired through risk-taking in forest school education are highly transferable and applicable across various domains. Whether it's problem-solving, critical thinking, or creative expression, children learn to adapt and thrive in diverse contexts, preparing them for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. By equipping them with the tools they need to navigate uncertainty and embrace change, Nature Den Forest Schools empower children to become lifelong learners and agents of positive change in their communities.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

According to a study conducted by the National University of Singapore in collaboration with the Education Ministry and the Institute of Mental Health, mental health conditions are increasingly common among Singaporean youths. The study reveals that approximately one in three youths surveyed report experiencing internalizing mental health symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and loneliness. Therefore, we recognized the pressing need to introduce a balanced approach to support our children. Research findings, such as those by Brussoni et al. (2015), underscore the positive correlation between exposure to nature and risk-taking activities and children's mental health and well-being. Time spent in natural environments has been linked to decreased stress levels, enhanced mood, and heightened attention span. By immersing children in the serenity of nature, we offer them a refuge from the modern-day pressures, allowing them to reconnect with the natural world.

Forest School learner resting on the slope

Shaping a Resilient and Sustainable Society

This connection fosters a sense of solace and inspiration, nurturing their sense of belonging and instilling a profound appreciation for the environment. Beyond the individual benefits, embracing risk in forest school education contributes to the development of a more resilient and sustainable society. As children grow into adulthood, they carry with them the lessons and values instilled during their formative years in the forest. They become stewards of the environment, advocating for conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices in their communities. By instilling in them a deep respect for nature and an understanding of their interconnectedness with the world around them, forest schools play a pivotal role in shaping environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens.

Impact on a Child's Life Trajectory

But perhaps the most profound impact of embracing risk in the forest school environment is its ability to shape the trajectory of a child's life. By instilling in them a sense of resilience, confidence, and curiosity from a young age, we empower them to embrace new challenges and opportunities with open arms. As they grow older, this mindset becomes the driving force behind their pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, propelling them to heights they never thought possible. By engaging in activities that involve navigating uncertainty, overcoming obstacles, and learning from failure, children not only develop essential life skills but also cultivate resilience and adaptability—qualities that are crucial for success in today's rapidly changing world.

Forest School learner adapting with the help of a stick

Cultivating Essential Life Skills

In conclusion, embracing risk in forest school education is not merely about fostering a sense of adventure or challenge-seeking behavior; it's about equipping children with the tools they need to navigate life's ups and downs with courage, resilience, and confidence. Through a combination of research-backed strategies, experiential learning opportunities, and a commitment to stretching children to their fullest potential, Nature Den Forest Schools aims to cultivate a generation of resilient, resourceful, and empowered individuals who are prepared to tackle the complexities of the modern world with passion, purpose, and grit.

Collective Resilience: Nurturing Growth and Fulfillment

We hold in deep reverence the love and courage exhibited by every individual involved in Forest School – from our dedicated coaches to the adventurous children and supportive parents. It is this collective spirit that fuels our belief in the transformative power of Forest School. We believe that the journey embarked upon within the nature's embrace nurtures not only a profound connection with Mother Earth but also a resilience and sense of self that permeates every aspect of life. Indeed, the work that educators, coaches and parents do in forest school education is not merely for the present moment; it's a commitment to longevity and sustained impact. Together, our efforts are not just about the here and now but about laying a foundation for lifelong growth, resilience, and fulfillment.

References:

The Risk-Reward Tradeoff: Fostering Potential and Resilience in Forest School Education