FOREST SCHOOL ( NATURE BASED LEARNING)
This 5-day training aims to equip teachers with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in nature-based learning and forest school pedagogy, build their competence in outdoor risk assessment and safe practice, and provide them with pedagogical tools that support students’ cognitive, emotional, and social development through connection with nature. The programme is designed in line with the Scandinavian forest school model and the GreenComp framework.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the training, participating teachers will be able to:
- Explain the core principles of forest school philosophy (child-centred learning, risk-benefit assessment, seasonal cycles)
- Conduct safety protocols and risk assessments in outdoor settings
- Design nature-based sensory learning activities (touch, smell, sound, observation)
- Translate the developmental value of free play and unstructured exploration into classroom practice
- Develop interdisciplinary activities that combine STEM, art, and language skills using natural materials (sticks, mud, stones, leaves)
- Apply nature-based well-being and attention/focus techniques
- Design a sustainable forest school programme using their own school garden or nearby natural area
- Share good practices with Erasmus+ partners and prepare a dissemination plan for their institution
5-Day Training Programme
Day 1 — Forest School Philosophy & Foundations
| Time | Content |
|---|
| 09:00–09:30 | Opening, introductions, project and programme overview |
| 09:30–11:00 | History and philosophy of forest schools (Scandinavian model, child-centred approach) |
| 11:00–11:15 | Break |
| 11:15–13:00 | Outdoor workshop: first nature walk and observation journaling |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch (outdoors where possible) |
| 14:00–15:30 | Country presentations: nature-based education practices in partner countries |
| 15:30–16:00 | Daily reflection journal |
Day 2 — Safety, Risk Assessment & Free Play
| Time | Content |
|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Risk-benefit assessment: setting safe boundaries outdoors |
| 10:30–10:45 | Break |
| 10:45–12:30 | Field exercise: risk-mapping activity in the school garden/nearby forest area |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–15:00 | Workshop: observing free play and unstructured exploration (participants take on the “child” role) |
| 15:00–16:00 | Group discussion: developmental benefits of free play |
Day 3 — Sensory Learning & Interdisciplinary Integration
| Time | Content |
|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Nature-based sensory learning: touch, smell, sound, and visual observation activities |
| 10:30–10:45 | Break |
| 10:45–12:30 | Workshop: STEM activities with natural materials (stick structures, leaf classification, water cycle models) |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–15:30 | Workshop: developing subject-based forest school lesson plans (science, maths, language, arts groups) |
| 15:30–16:00 | Group presentations and peer feedback |
Day 4 — Well-Being in Nature & Emotional Development
| Time | Content |
|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Nature-based well-being: attention, calming, and focus techniques |
| 10:30–10:45 | Break |
| 10:45–12:30 | Workshop: silent nature observation, “sit spot” practice, and mindfulness exercises |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–15:00 | Workshop: nature-based storytelling and creative expression (leaf art, nature journaling) |
| 15:00–16:00 | Group sharing: nature as a tool for emotional regulation |
Day 5 — Application, Dissemination & Evaluation
| Time | Content |
|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Designing a forest school programme for participants’ own schools (final group work) |
| 10:30–10:45 | Break |
| 10:45–12:00 | Programme presentations: sustainable implementation plans |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–14:30 | Institutional dissemination plan preparation and Erasmus+ networking |
| 14:30–15:30 | Evaluation survey, certificate ceremony |
| 15:30–16:00 | Closing session, final reflection circle outdoors |
