How Forest Schools Can Enrich Your Child
Everyone knows that the team here at SOLD (and TAZ!) are big advocates of outdoor learning, so we are thrilled to see awareness growing amongst parents of the different ways that spending time outside can benefit children, particularly in terms of aiding their vital early stages of development. In particular, forest schools seem to be taking the nation by storm – and we know from first-hand experience just how well this form of teaching works for children from nursery age upwards. Indeed, we run weekly "Little Squirrels" forest school sessions for parents and toddlers at our Thames Young Mariners Outdoor Learning Centre, packed with outdoor activities that offer an exciting new alternative to traditional playgroups for toddlers in Richmond. So, just what are some of the benefits that children can experience after attending a forest school?
Forest schools not only offer a great learning environment for children (what better environment than nature, after all?), but also have a wide range of benefits that can help your child's development in a number of different ways. Taking part in forest schools at a young age encourages outdoor play, something which can be left by the wayside in the modern world, often due to indoor entertainment, perceived dangers of the outside, or a lack of green spaces in more urban communities.
Children love to play in the outdoors, but often don't realise this until they get the chance to; it gives them a chance to really get mucky, as well as engage all of their senses as they partake in brand new experiences! Teaching children about flora and fauna can also encourage a healthy interest in nature and the environment, as well as helping build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Forest schools are also a nice break for children from their usual activities; outdoor learning offers a very different kind of stimulation than indoor play, or watching TV, and engages not only their emotional faculties but their mental and physical ones too. Being an active participant can also build confidence, improve communication, and prompt language development amongst youngsters.
If you're looking for playgroups for toddlers in Richmond that will not only allow your little ones to have fun and make friends but will also help them to develop to the fullest of their potential, then TAZ has the forest schools sessions for you! Little Squirrels offers 18 month-olds to 4-year-olds in Surrey a chance to learn and grow by partaking in all-weather activities such as den building and artwork!
Book your place on one of the upcoming Thursday sessions (either the morning or afternoon option).