Have you ever thought about how your child learns best? Is it through textbooks and tests, or perhaps something more hands-on and immersive? If you’re leaning towards the latter, then forest schools might be the perfect fit for your family. In Bali, forest schools offer a unique and transformative educational experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom. Let’s explore three powerful lessons your child will learn by attending a forest school in this tropical paradise.
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What Exactly is a Forest School?
First things first—what is a forest school? Imagine an educational setting where the walls of the classroom are made of trees, the ceiling is the sky, and the lessons are rooted in nature. A forest school is an innovative approach to education that emphasizes outdoor learning. Instead of being confined to desks, children explore the natural world around them, learning through direct experience.
At this kind of school, your child might spend their day building a shelter out of bamboo, identifying native plants, or learning to navigate the forest using a compass. The idea is to foster creativity, problem-solving, and a deep connection to the environment. But it’s not just about free play; forest schools follow a curriculum that guides children’s development in a holistic way, blending academic learning with practical life skills.
Lesson 1: The Value of Experiential Learning
One of the most powerful lessons your child will learn at a forest school is the value of experiential learning. In a traditional classroom, much of the learning is abstract—numbers on a page, facts in a book. But at a forest school, learning is tangible and rooted in real-world experiences. When children learn by doing—whether it’s building a fire or growing a garden—they retain knowledge better and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts.
For instance, my daughter attended a forest school in Bali, and I saw firsthand how experiential learning transformed her understanding of the world. She didn’t just read about ecosystems; she explored them, noticing how every plant, animal, and insect plays a role in the environment. This hands-on approach not only made learning more engaging but also more meaningful.
Lesson 2: Emotional Intelligence and Independence
Forest schools are not just about learning practical skills—they’re also about developing emotional intelligence and independence. In a forest school, children are encouraged to take risks, make decisions, and solve problems on their own. This fosters a sense of responsibility and confidence that is hard to cultivate in a traditional classroom setting.
For example, when my daughter built a raft with her classmates, they weren’t just learning about buoyancy—they were learning how to work together, communicate, and persevere when things didn’t go as planned. These experiences teach children how to manage their emotions, collaborate with others, and become independent thinkers—skills that are invaluable both in school and in life.
Lesson 3: A Deep Connection with Nature
In today’s digital age, many children are growing up with little connection to the natural world. Forest schools in Bali offer a remedy to this by immersing children in nature every day. This deep connection with the environment is one of the most profound lessons a forest school can teach.
At a forest school, children don’t just learn about nature—they experience it. They learn to respect and care for the environment, understanding that they are a part of the natural world, not separate from it. This connection fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility that will stay with them for life.
In Bali, with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, a forest school is the perfect place for children to develop this connection. Whether they’re exploring a jungle, learning about marine life on a beach, or planting rice in a paddy field, they are constantly engaging with the environment in a meaningful way.
