What is Forest School?

Forest School Canada defines a Forest School as an education practice that puts the forest and the child at play, at the center of learning.

Learners and educators build a relationship with the land through regular and repeated access to the same forest over an extended period of time.

Educators support learning through a pedagogical framework that is rooted in the place and play, directed and inspired by the child, and driven by a process of inquiry.

Check out this short video by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada

"Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries to those around them." -Oscar Wilde

Edmonton Forest School Goals

Create Meaningful Connections with the Land

We contribute to the health of our natural environments by fostering meaningful connections between children and nature. By strengthening their bonds with the natural world, children become responsible stewards of their forests, watersheds, wildlife, and other ecological resources. Connection to the natural world takes time. Through our programming, children will explore, play and learn in the same natural spaces over all four seasons, fostering a deep connection to the natural world.

Acknowledge our Responsibilities as Treaty People

We are all treaty people. We must ensure children develop a truthful understanding of the history, culture, language, and traditions of the peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial. We are committed to providing regular opportunities for learners to connect with elders, knowledge keepers, community members, and craftspeople from Indigenous communities in our natural area. Just as with our connection with the natural world, this takes time and must be repeated regularly to create authentic and lasting relationships.

Prioritize Child-Led Learning

The child is a mighty learner. At Edmonton Forest School we allow the child to take a central role in guiding their learning. We foster learning experiences that are based on their interests and readiness. We value play in and of itself, as a vehicle for learning and skill development, and as a way for children and youth to exercise agency in their lives. We believe children are innately competent, curious, and capable learners, and we aim to promote their holistic development.

Nurture Relationships Within Community

There are many individuals and organizations working to improve engagement with and protection of our urban natural spaces. We are committed to collaborating with these community partners so our work can complement many of the incredible initiatives already afoot in our city.

Grow Communities of Practice

As forest and nature learning practitioners, our capacity is greater when we work together. We are committed to working with others to build strong communities of practice and create opportunities for professional development related to nature-based education for children.

Strengthen Diversity and Inclusion

All people deserve the opportunity to develop their emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual selves in the natural world. We honour all people and are committed to ensuring accessible programming for all.

7 Relationships of an Ethical Forest School

We strive to balance the Seven Relationships of an Ethical Forest and Nature School as compiled by Lise Brown and Adrian Alphonso of Momenta Inc. in partnership with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.

In this approach, “educators focus on maintaining balance of 7 relationships: land, trust, power, play, risk, story and learning. At the centre of the 7 relationships is where we hold space for the learner – this is the WHY of what we do.”