Forest Kindergarten, Nature Pedagogy & Learning Through Play

Name: Forest Kindergarten, Nature Pedagogy & Learning Through Play
Rating: 4.6 (18 reviews)

The history of Danish Forest Kindergartens, Educational Pioneers, Early Childhood and Outdoor Learning Through Play

Created byJen Fagan Simonsen

Last updated 6/2024

English

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What you'll learn

A deep understanding of the principles and benefits of Nature Pedagogy and Outdoor Learning Through Play.
Practical skills and innovative strategies to effectively implement outdoor learning activities.
Confidence to facilitate and advocate for outdoor play as a critical element of early childhood education.
Techniques for creating and managing safe, engaging, and inclusive outdoor learning environments.
Be prepared and confident to collaborate and plan with peers to integrate these practices into various educational frameworks and curricula.

Course content

8 sections • 26 lectures • 1h 41m total length

Introduction4:07
Participants will get an introduction to the topics, know the outline for the course as well as an introduction to me, my background and my experience.
United Nations Sustainability Development Goals0:40

The History of Danish Forest Kindergartens2:09
Learn about Ella Flatau and the first Danish Forest Kindergarten.
Be a Lifelong Learner and Research more!2:11
What other pioneers in Nature Pedagogy and Forest Kindergartens/Schools can you learn more about?
Today's Danish Forest Kindergartens4:01
Know about the different ways Forest kindergartens are set up in Denmark.
Looking for Learning in a Danish Forest Kindergarten1:00
Observe children learning through play in a Forest Kindergarten in Denmark- what skills are they developing? What new knowledge are they gaining?
Making the Most of your Outdoor Spaces0:58
Explore how to maximize outdoor spaces by accessing on-site or nearby natural areas, plan staffing and materials, and create nature spaces with children through nature pedagogy.

What is Nature Pedagogy?3:26
Dive into the elements of Nature Pedagogy with me and why it fits well with the Danish pedagogy too. Understand what differences I feel there are between Forest Kindergartens and Outdoor Learning by itself.
Summary1:15
Nature pedagogy uses experiential learning to engage children with the environment through hands-on exploration, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth and a lifelong stewardship of nature.
John Dewey2:03
More on John Dewey0:27
John Dewey believed in Education using the world around the students to make real life connections- here I tie this into Nature Pedagogy and Outdoor Learning Through Play.
The Popularity and Benefits of Forest Kindergartens and Outdoor Learning2:58
Learn why I think Forest Kindergartens, Forest Sessions and Outdoor Learning materials are getting so popular- and what the benefits are of Outdoor Learning through Play.
Integrating Nature Pedagogy in your Early Years Setting2:12
What are a few ways that you can incorporate Nature Pedagogy in your setting- even if this is a traditional indoor Early Years setting?

Outdoor Learning Through Play and the Role of the Adults9:25
Know what the key elements are of Outdoor Learning Through Play and why the outdoors offers different kinds of learning than the indoors. Understand the roles of the Adults in Outdoor Learning Through Play.
Benefits of Learning Through Play0:35
So why Learning Through Play?
Outdoor Learning Through Play - for a better future1:42
Know of reasons why Outdoor Learning through Play can improve the future for your learners.
Observing Learning Through Play1:57
How sure are you that the learners in your setting are Learning through Play?
Use key elements to identifying Learning Through Play to observe your learners.
Learn More about Learning Through Play0:43

Introduction to this section on Practicalities1:22
Explore forest kindergarten concepts and nature pedagogy, promoting physical activity and learning through play, while preparing for safe outdoor experiences with rules, permissions, and parental communication.
What I Pack with me for Full Days in the Forest16:40
Winter packing essentials for forest kindergarten include warm gloves, thermos lunches, tarps for shelter, and a well-equipped first-aid kit to support safe outdoor learning.
Dressing for the Weather7:56
There is no such thing as bad weather; dress children in layered, breathable clothing, sun hats, rain gear, and sturdy footwear to stay warm, dry, and ready for outdoor play.
Setting Up Camp for the Day9:05
Set up a forest nap space with a stable shelter, sleeping bags or travel sheets, and quiet zones, then establish a toilet and eating area for smooth outdoor days.
Safety First12:39
Learn how to manage safety in forest kindergarten with risk assessments, rules, and adult supervision. Use real tools and age-appropriate activities like whittling, rope work, and bonfire guidelines.

Requirements

No experience needed -though a sufficient level of English is advised

Description

Forest Kindergarten, Nature Pedagogy & Learning Through Play

Immerse yourself in the transformative world of early childhood education with my course on Forest Kindergartens, Nature Pedagogy, and Learning Through Play.

This comprehensive course covers four key areas:

History of Danish Forest Kindergartens: Delve into the origins and evolution of the Danish forest kindergarten model, exploring its principles and success stories that have inspired outdoor education globally.
Nature Pedagogy: Gain insights into nature pedagogy, a teaching philosophy that emphasises the importance of nature in children's learning and development. Learn how to incorporate natural elements into educational practices effectively.
Learning Through Play: Discover the power of play as a fundamental aspect of early childhood education. Understand how unstructured, outdoor play fosters physical, cognitive, and social development.
Practicalities for Outdoor Learning: Equip yourself with practical strategies and tips for implementing outdoor learning and play. This section is designed for educators or even parents eager to take learning through play into the great outdoors.

By linking these subjects to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, this course emphasises the role of education in promoting sustainable development, global citizenship, and a deep respect for cultural diversity and the environment. Join Jen Fagan Simonsen to cultivate a nature-focused learning environment that prepares children for a sustainable and interconnected world.

Who this course is for:

Professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in integrating play-based learning into educational practices.
Educators looking for effective strategies to incorporate outdoor learning environments into their daily teaching.
Teachers aiming to foster better engagement and developmental outcomes through experiential outdoor activities.
Educators needing practical approaches to manage and facilitate outdoor play, ensuring safety and inclusivity.
School staff and leaders planning to develop or refine a curriculum that includes outdoor learning as a key component.

Forest Kindergarten, Nature Pedagogy & Learning Through Play

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 5min

Nordic Forest Kindergardens5 lectures • 10min

Nature Pedagogy6 lectures • 12min

Outdoor Learning Through Play5 lectures • 14min

UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.71 lecture • 6min

The Practicalities when Learning Through Play in the Great Outdoors5 lectures • 48min

Together for a Sustainable Future1 lecture • 4min

Summary and Thanks1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: