Unit 3: Overview

Welcome to Unit 3 on Learning and Development where you will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development.  As will all Units, you are expected to supplement these resources with your own research and home study.

The Forest School Movement has developed key principles and ethos drawing on best thinking from around the world in relation to child development, learning and play.  This section forms the bedrock of supporting a child-led approach, adopting observation and reflection practices that shape your sessions plans and core activities.

As level 3 practitioners, you are not expected to be experts in any one theory but rather be able to draw out and value what the young people are ‘doing’,  ‘exploring’ and are interested in, trusting their own process and learning journey.

At Circle of Life, we have developed this simple idea of the ‘Four key Dynamics’ within Forest School where there is constant, moving interplay between the young person, the practitioner, the seasons/place and the resources we have available.