Comparing Forest Schools and Nature Preschools: Outdoor Learning Approaches That Ignite Curiosity
Heading outdoors to learn and grow? Forest schools and nature preschools are two unique educational alternatives that are becoming popular choices for eager parents! These options break from traditional early education models and focus on nature-based learning and outdoor exploration. Each approach boasts distinctive philosophies and methods, so understanding the key differences will help you choose the best fit for your little one and your family's values.
You might fall for the completely immersive feel of forest schools or lean towards the balanced indoor-outdoor approach of nature preschools, but both options offer fantastic benefits for early childhood development. Both models foster independence, creativity, and environmental stewardship while helping children develop vital skills through hands-on experiences in nature.
Understanding Forest Schools and Nature Preschools: Key Differences
History and Philosophy
Forest schools trace back to the Scandinavian 1950's friluftsliv movement emphasizing outdoor living and learning. Developed in Denmark, these educational programs prioritize child-led learning, risk-taking, and building resilience through regular outdoor exposure.
In contrast, nature preschools emerged in the United States during the 1960's environmental movement and draw inspiration from traditional preschool models. They blend structured early childhood education with nature-based activities, emphasizing environmental stewardship and scheduled nature activities alongside seasonal curriculum planning.
Core Educational Approaches
Forest schools prioritize unstructured play and exploration, with minimal adult intervention. Your child will spend 80-100% of their time outdoors, regardless of weather, using natural materials as learning tools. Teachers act as facilitators, supporting your child's curiosity and risk assessment skills.
On the other hand, nature preschools follow a hybrid model, combining indoor and outdoor learning. Your child will typically spend 30-50% of their time in nature, with activities aligned to early learning standards. Teachers guide specific nature-based lessons while maintaining standard preschool elements like circle time, art projects, and scheduled transitions.
| Aspect | Forest Schools | Nature Preschools ||------------|---------------|------------------|| Time Outdoors | 80-100% | 30-50% || Teaching Style | Child-led | Teacher-guided || Structure Level | Minimal | Moderate || Weather Policy | All-weather | Weather-dependent |
Curriculum Structure and Learning Methods
Time Outdoors
Forest School Teaching Strategies
Forest schools use an emergent curriculum that follows children's natural interests and curiosities. Teachers observe and support rather than direct learning activities, focusing on child-led exploration, risk-taking opportunities, hands-on skill building, group discussions, naturalist activities, and unstructured play that develop problem-solving and social skills.
80-100%
Nature Preschool Educational Framework
Nature preschools blend traditional early childhood education with nature-based learning through a more structured approach. Their curriculum typically includes planned nature activities tied to learning objectives, regular circle time, small group projects, art activities using natural materials, guided nature walks, indoor classroom time, and seasonal themes that connect indoor and outdoor learning.
30-50%
Daily Activities and Student Engagement
The daily routines in forest schools and nature preschools showcase their distinct approaches to outdoor education while maintaining their core philosophies.
Forest School Activities
Forest school students spend their days immersed in child-led outdoor exploration. They build dens with sticks & ropes, craft tools from natural materials, and practice wilderness skills like fire-building (under supervision). Daily activities include climbing trees, tracking animals, collecting specimens, and creating nature art. Teachers support discovery through "invisible teaching," allowing children to direct their learning while ensuring safety.
Teaching Style
Nature Preschool Programs
Nature preschool days follow a more structured rhythm, blending indoor and outdoor learning. Students participate in planned nature walks, themed art projects, and guided scientific observations. Morning circle time includes songs, stories, Guided discussions, and weather discussions. Indoor activities include sorting natural materials, painting with earth pigments, and maintaining classroom terrariums. Teachers lead small group activities, such as garden maintenance, butterfly life-cycle studies, and weather tracking.
Child-led
Physical Environment and Settings
The settings where learning takes place significantly impact children's educational experiences and development opportunities. These two models utilize distinct environmental setups to achieve their educational goals.
Teacher-guided
Forest School Locations
Forest schools operate in diverse wild spaces, such as forests, woodlands, or meadows, with minimal built structures. These locations feature varied terrain, natural obstacles, and diverse ecosystems that serve as classrooms and playgrounds. Students learn in temporary shelters like tarps or basic wooden structures that offer weather protection while maintaining direct contact with nature.
Teacher Training and Qualifications
The certification requirements and qualifications for forest school and nature preschool educators reflect their distinct educational approaches and philosophies.
Structure Level
Forest School Certification Requirements
Forest school teachers must complete specialized Forest School Leader training programs that require 8-12 months of coursework. They focus on wilderness first aid, woodland management, child development theory, and risk assessment. Teachers learn to facilitate child-led learning and create emergent curricula while ensuring safety in outdoor environments. Most programs require at least 2-3 years of outdoor education experience and a Level 3 Forest School certification from recognized organizations like the Forest School Association or Forest School Canada.
Minimal
Nature Preschool Educator Standards
Nature preschool teachers need traditional early childhood education credentials, such as a bachelor's degree in ECE or related fields. They also require specialized nature-based training, along with state teaching certification, first aid certification, and 20-30 hours of annual professional development in environmental education. Teachers must demonstrate competency in both indoor classroom management and outdoor learning facilitation. Additional certifications from organizations like the Natural Start Alliance or the North American Association for Environmental Education enhance teaching qualifications and program credibility.
Moderate
Safety Protocols and Risk Management
Forest School Safety Measures
Forest schools implement comprehensive risk-benefit assessments for outdoor activities using a balanced approach to risk-taking. Teachers conduct daily site checks to identify potential hazards and take appropriate safety measures, such as setting clear physical boundaries, implementing emergency procedures, requiring wilderness first aid certification, using call-back signals and buddy systems, and conducting regular head counts and group check-ins.
Parent Involvement and Community Connection
Weather Policy
The role of parents and community engagement differs significantly between forest schools and nature preschools, creating unique learning ecosystems for children.
Forest School Family Engagement
All-weather
Forest schools embrace deep family participation through regular parent-child outdoor sessions. Parents join monthly forest activities, learn wilderness skills alongside their children, and take part in celebrations, community meals, and collaborative projects.
Nature Preschool Community Integration
Weather-dependent
Nature preschools focus on structured community partnerships, coordinating with local nature centers, parks departments, and environmental organizations to enhance learning experiences. They coordinate field trips and organize environmental education workshops, family nature nights, and neighborhood cleanup events to promote ecological awareness.
Assessment Methods and Learning Outcomes
Forest School Evaluation Practices
Forest schools use observation-based assessment through detailed learning journals, focusing on physical capabilities, social skills, emotional resilience, and connection to nature. Teachers observe, document, and track students' skills progression without adhering to standardized benchmarks. Progress tracking emphasizes individual growth.
Nature Preschool Progress Tracking
Nature preschools implement a hybrid assessment approach, combining traditional developmental milestones with nature-based learning objectives. They use portfolios containing work samples, photos, and structured observation forms to track academic and outdoor skills progression. Regular assessments measure scientific thinking, environmental awareness, fine motor development, and social-emotional growth, aligning with state early learning standards.
Cost Considerations and Accessibility
When comparing forest schools and nature preschools, the financial investment varies significantly based on factors like type, location, available resources, and weather conditions.
Forest School Investment
Forest schools typically cost $600-$900 per month for full-time enrollment. Operating costs include quality outdoor gear, safety equipment, higher staff-to-student ratios, teacher training, land usage, portable shelter maintenance, transportation, facility maintenance, and classroom supplies.
Nature Preschool Cost
Nature preschools generally cost similarly to traditional preschools as they provide both indoor and outdoor facilities. Operating costs include teacher salaries, classroom supplies, instructor training, and community partnerships.
Choosing Between Forest Schools and Nature Preschools
Both forest schools and nature preschools offer incredible opportunities for early childhood education, fostering a connection with nature while building essential life skills. Make your choice based on your child's preferences for structured or unstructured learning environments, budget constraints, and schedules. Rest assured that whichever path you choose, your child will thrive in the great outdoors!
In terms of historical roots, forest schools trace back to the Scandinavian 1950's friluftsliv movement, emphasizing outdoor living and learning, while nature preschools emerged in the United States during the 1960's environmental movement, blending structured early childhood education with nature-based activities. When it comes to educational approaches, forest schools prioritize child-led exploration with minimal adult intervention, whereas nature preschools follow more structured styles that include indoor and outdoor learning aligning with early learning standards.
In the realm of curriculum, forest schools employ an emergent curriculum following children's interests and curiosities, using hands-on natural experiences to develop problem-solving and social skills. Meanwhile, nature preschools offer a hybrid approach that includes planned nature activities tied to learning objectives, circles, and scheduled transitions. keypoints: history, philosophy, core educational approaches, curriculum structure, teacher training, safety measures, parent involvement, assessment methods, cost considerations.
