Today, our kindergarten students eagerly anticipate their weekly forest adventures. Rotating between German and English days, they venture into a nearby forested area, leaving behind the walls of their classroom to become explorers, scientists, and stewards of nature.
The journey begins with a nature walk. We ask students to observe signs of animal and plant life, and the changing seasons. The moment we enter the forest, I can feel a change, an excitement and calm not always found in the classroom. We discover unusual mushrooms in autumn, track the prints of animals in winter, and watch for the first blossoms in spring. “What is making that sound?” “Why is there a hole in that tree?” The questions that arise from our nature walks not only foster curiosity, but grow into new student-led inquiries in the classroom.
Beyond walking and playing in the forest, we integrate our themes and academic subjects outside. Students discover that maths is the language that explains our environment. They measure and compare the length of sticks, explore shapes and patterns. Students use engineering and problem-solving skills to construct animal homes and bridges. Storytelling takes on new dimensions as we use the backdrop of the forest to retell fairy tales. The forest becomes a living laboratory for science experiments, investigating insects, identifying plant species, and observing animal behaviour. Throughout the academic learning there is a promotion of physical activity. Children run, climb, and explore, developing motor skills and a love for movement. Forest school deepens the learning from the classroom by creating a shared context with real world applications students can touch, see and feel. This enables learning to cross cultural barriers and embraces the different learning styles of our students.
Integral to our role as teachers is guiding the social-emotional learning of our students. More and more children spend an increasing amount of time indoors, disconnecting them from their environment and impacting their health and well-being. In the forest, students collaborate, problem-solve, and build bonds. They learn empathy as they help each other climb fallen logs or share discoveries. For example, a shy student might gain confidence by leading the class on a familiar path they discovered. The forest fosters a sense of belonging and unity – a class community rooted in nature. Children express joy, curiosity, and even occasionally fear. They learn resilience when navigating uneven terrain or encountering unexpected creatures. The forest teaches them to adapt and persevere.
As climate change and other environmental disasters become increasingly imminent, it is our responsibility as educators to integrate learning in, about and for the environment throughout all disciplines and ages. UNESCO urges making environmental education a core curriculum component in all countries by 2025. Students cannot save something they have no relationship with. In forest school, children can build a lasting relationship with the world around them that plant the seeds for future leadership and advocacy for our environment.
At SIS Rotkreuz-Zug, the forest isn’t just a place – it’s a classroom, a sanctuary, and a catalyst for growth. Through our Kindergarten Forest School Programme, we empower young minds to embrace nature, learn holistically, and become guardians of our planet.