An Introduction to Forest School Ethos & Principles
An experiential introduction to Forest School for adults
Location; Co. Monaghan
This introductory course is suitable for those interested in the Forest School ethos which will be explored through the six Forest School principles along with lots of interactive learning and outdoor activities.
The curriculum covered will include:
- Exploring what “Forest School” means and what makes it unique to other types of outdoor learning.
- Experiencing a range of Forest School activities and the Forest School approach to working with learners.
- Learning basic identification of woodland species, both flora and fauna.
- Looking at seasonal activities at Forest School and our care of the woodland environment.
- Understand how we support and assess risk at Forest School.
We aim for you to:
- Explore and experience learning about the woods through the FS ethos.
- Have fun practising useful outdoor skills like ropes and tools.
- Play a variety of games, create using loose parts, make natural crafts.
- Enjoy the freedom to follow your curiosity and experience a range of activities, learn with others and on your own.
- Understand we have thought about safety and appropriate risk-taking.
- Be more empowered and confident to bring children outdoors to play and learn as appropriate to your comfort level.
Important to note, this is a non-accredited course and does not qualify you as a Forest School leader/practitioner or go towards FS leader training credits.
Course Details
Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June, 2021
Where: Rossmore Park, Co. Monaghan
Time: Registration is at 9.15am. The group will walk from the carpark to the site at 9:30am sharp, until 4.00pm each day.
Cost: €120.00 (plus booking fee).
This course is offered at a much reduced rate as it is part-funded by the Community Environmental Action Fund (CEAF) and Monaghan Co. Co. Environmental Office, the course is usually €195.
Suitable for teachers and SNAs in primary, secondary & early years education as well as outdoor educators and those interested in learning more about FS. Teachers, this does not count towards your Croke Park hours. Forest School can be an invaluable way to fulfill the aims and learning goals of the Aistear themes where children are facilitated to actively learn and freely explore in a learning-rich outdoor environment.
Important to note, this is a non-accredited course and does not qualify you as a Forest School leader practitioner or go towards FS leader training credits.
Your trainers, Ciara Hinksman of Forest School Ireland and Lucy Bell of Growing Wild, are both OCN Level 3 Forest School Leaders who are associate FS Leader trainers with Circle of Life Rediscovery (UK). Both Lucy and Ciara are highly experienced Forest School leader practitioners and have been working in this area since 2013, as well as in the broader area of outdoor education for over ten years.