Maisie Poppins
Learning through experience
To create an enriching and inspirational process within the therapeutic sanctuary of nature, where children and families can utilise and reaffirm their innate connection with the freedom of the sensory playground all around us.
Through dynamic experiential learning, mindfulness is in abundance and natural curiosity can be embraced and extended; relationships are forged, teamwork skills are developed and self-esteem is raised through the realisation of one’s ability to complete practical tasks and solve problems. Fundamentally, on-going wellbeing and the ability to self-regulate can be significantly raised.
Strong evidence from independent research has found what Forest School practitioners already knew. In 2006, the Forestry Commission set out these key benefits in relation to children attending Forest School sessions:
To read the full document, visit: forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fr0112forestschoolsreport.pdf/$FILE/fr0112forestschoolsreport.pdf
Forest School is an early years learning approach that owes its initial inspiration to the Scandinavian play-based, nature-centred way of learning known as ‘friluftsliv’ (‘free open-air life’).
Forest School pedagogy also draws from much revered learning theorists and leading play-based thinkers such as Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner and Kurt Hahn, and Forest School methodology is part of a wider philosophy and alternative approaches, enabling our children to be lifelong learners.
Forest School is a child-centred and empowering approach. The Forest School approach recognises and respects the child’s innate desire to learn experientially (by doing), rather than passively, and their right to experience the freedom and sensory enrichment of nature while doing so. It enables children to recognise and judge measured risk and to develop and use their imagination through enjoying the independence and free space they need, developing skills at their own pace. In this way, a child remains highly motivated to learn as they have a sense of ownership and there is less pressure on developing new sets of skills. They are exposed to opportunities where they can develop confidence.
Adults are there to guide and listen at all times and teach in a 2-way process. The approach is non-directional and safety and self-care are paramount. Sessions are designed to enable participants to slow down, rediscover, connect with nature and each other, and learn new skills, thereby fostering a lifelong learning aptitude.
As a qualified Forest School leader Maisie Collin works to ensure the following in her practice:
Maisie Poppins Forest School runs bi-weekly sessions for 1-4 year olds as part of our childcare delivery in London Fields and in the Forest School area in our garden.
Maisie Poppins Forest School Sessions Soon to be Delivered in Hackney
The likely delivery date for these sessions is May 2017 onwards.