What Are 2 Forest School Trends I See Coming In The Near Future?

Today, call me mystic Meg or should that be Mark…as I look to forecast 2 possible trends for Forest school in the near future.

They are;

More schools adopting learning outside the classroom post Covid — 19

And

An exponential surge in mental and physical wellbeing.

Now, for my first prediction I see schools taking learning outdoors more following COVID- 19, as to reduce the impact of large numbers inside and to begin to harness the immense benefits on offer through this form of learning.

Will it all be strictly Forest School, probably not, however Forest School leaders I feel are uniquely placed to be called upon here.

Allow me to explain.

As experts in learning outdoors Forest School Leaders have a wealth of skills to lead the learning outdoor revolution in schools or indeed, more interestingly, positioning themselves by the side of individuals,who may not be confident or unsure in this teaching medium as a sort of coach.

I remember back to when I began to take learning outside the classroom as a teacher, it was a whole different ball game and mindset.

It feels as if you have 10 or more spinning plates that you must keep up at all times!

But when your mindset shifts and it all clicks into place… the rewards are magnificent and as you begin to gain in confidence and understanding, this feeling subsides.

However, having someone by your side to instill confidence and to support you, where necessary, along this journey can rapidly speed this up and make it more enjoyable.

It took me ages to become good at teaching in the outdoors and it would have saved me a great deal of time having someone there to guide me.

This moment came later in my career as I embarked on Forest School training thanks to Simon Robinson, as you may have heard me mention in my origin story.

Now, add in the fact that in September there may , undoubtedly perhaps be newly qualified or recently qualified teachers entering, or are already in the profession that are going to receive what can only be described as a fire hydrant like, of an awakening, attempting to juggle everything a teacher must do and the likely possibility of being outside.

We want to support these professionals and guide them into a long and happy teaching career, not scare them off and degrade the profession ever more.

Let’s give teachers the due respect they deserve and credit for once, by helping and supporting when there is a clear, identifiable and academically lucrative way forward.

Next, is that exponential surge in both physical and mental wellbeing.

I have to add a little disclaimer here, in the way of how we may measure this scientifically.

I have no idea as yet to tell you the truth, however I believe anecdoatally, at least, it will be beyond doubt.

Why?

Well since lockdown restriction have eased and indeed during the lockdown itself people were venturing out and making the most of the outdoors.

Yes, it did coincide with spring and finer weather but also people were out in all weathers.

Perhaps by being forceably locked in, we have indeed realized the essential effect it, the outdoors, has on our wellbeing both physically and mentally and it could be argued we are more inclined to now, seek it, as apposed to before the pandemic.

The one thing that is still hindering, lingering and infuriating is our casual blazze approach to littering.

Personally, if people want to meet up in huge crowds, crack on, you take your health in your hands!

But don’t disrespect the planet that we inhabit with your unwanted’s!

It just goes to show the fickle nature of a number of the British public who believe they are entitled and indeed probably went about sharing some snaps of the water cleanliness at Blackpool and such places, with accompanying motivational caption, as if they were a member of Greenpeace.

Oh the irony of it all!

Educate yourself pal!

Do me a favour and actually give a damn about the planet.

So, in the midst of my predictions there is actually an offer in here for schools.

If you require a specialist to come in or remotely guide staff members to excel at teaching outdoors, then give me a shout.

I have a ready made programme and an incredible offer waiting for you to seize with tonnes of added value.

We all need help at this different time so why struggle finding the how when you’ve just found the who.

Remember You’re Just One Prediction Away…