Defying thousands of years of evolution, our species has become domesticated with our busy lives preventing us to spend much time outdoors. Alfresco’s view is that children are happier, healthier and learn faster in a natural environment where they can explore and investigate for themselves, as opposed to being confined to the four walls of a classroom for eight hours of the day.
Increasingly, research into forest schooling and nature-based, child led learning, reinforces our views - being in touch with nature, enabling self-direction and allowing children to learn through play gives children the best opportunity to grow into confident healthy, thriving individuals throughout education and life!
A lot of research has concentrated on the positive effects outdoor activities and forest schooling can have on children. We have listed a few snippets below; the full article can be accessed by clicking on the subtitles.
In The News
Bredekamp et al. (1992) suggest that ‘Activities that are based on children’s interests provide motivation for learning. This fosters a love of learning, curiosity, attention and self direction’. Children’s interests motivate their desire to learn.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that childhood play is “essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient to childhood anxiety disorders.” Journal of Contemporary Psycho- therapy. (2007).” (Ginsburg, Golda S. and Kingery, J.N.)