I recall having the opportunity to spend an immense amount of time outdoors to explore and invent elaborate play scenarios while growing up. Whether it was pretending to have a made-up family, building a fort or making mud pies it was a blast! Children benefit from unstructured play outdoors within view of a parent (this is dependent upon the age of the child) to function in a play environment that encourages independent thinking and child-directed play. There are no predetermined rules and often limited organization. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces provide endless opportunities to explore and interact with the world.
Less structure in our household has created boredom, which is a good thing. Boredom fuels my boys’ creativity. My children love making their own comic books, imaginary play and spending extended periods outdoors.
Unstructured Play Encourages:
- Co-operation
- Learning
- Building self-esteem
- Imagination
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Stress free environment
- Social skills
The Forest School
“Fostering the next generation of environmental stewards, Free Forest School opens the door to nature play and emergent learning for thousands of children by empowering parents and caregivers to provide it themselves.”
Brookelyn Rambadt, local mom and director of the new Forest Free School of Central Ohio wanted to find a volunteer opportunity and provide something positive within the local community. Rambadt found a book at the library, called “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather”. It introduced her to the forest preschool concept, which is common is Sweden. She learned more about the benefits of year-round, outdoor, unstructured play. She stumbled upon the Forest Free School while searching for local nature-based preschools. It was then that she decided that by starting the program she would be able to volunteer, do something with her children that would have a positive impact on the community. The program gives families a chance to experience some of the benefits of a forest school at no cost.
Values
“Letting kids be kids, outdoors.”
Children learn how to navigate relationships and the world through play. Engaging children in unstructured play encourages curiosity and fosters the growth of lifelong learners, critical thinkers, future innovators, and leaders.
Approach/Principles
The Forest Free School program is based on the roots in the Scandinavian forest school tradition. The organization is completely run by parent/caregiver volunteers. With supervision the Free Forest School provides a gentle, nurturing environment that encourages child-directed play within a natural environment. Risk and adventure are best learned amongst children of varying ages. When children of all abilities are emerged into a natural environment, and feel a sense of inclusion and community they are able to develop cognitively, physically, and socially/emotionally. With time and the support from peers and parents/caregivers, the child will gain independence and confidence that will allow them to adapt and thrive in any environment.
Join the Central Ohio Free Forest Group
Interested parents and caregivers can simply ask to join the Free Forest School of Central Ohio Facebook group. Events are posted within the group, as well as other information. FREE for children ages 0 to 6.
Visit www.freeforestschool.org for more information.
