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Discovering the Magic of Forest School: How Nature Nurtures Young Minds

  • Toddlers Inn
  • Aug 4
  • 3 min read
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When Toddlers step into the world of Forest School, something magical happens. Surrounded by nature, curiosity blooms, confidence grows, and learning takes on a whole new meaning.


At the heart of Forest School is the belief that the outdoors is more than just a setting—it’s a powerful teacher. Through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences, children develop essential life skills, build resilience, and deepen their connection to the natural world. Here's how we make that happen:


🪵Woodwork and Group Projects


From crafting bug hotels to building bird feeders and hedgehog houses, our children engage in a wide range of woodwork projects. These activities develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and most importantly, a sense of responsibility and safety when using tools. Research shows that introducing real tools in early years settings fosters independence and risk awareness.


🔥 Cooking on the Fire


Gathering around the fire for stories, songs, and warm food is a treasured part of our day. Children learn how to be safe around open flames while helping to cook seasonal recipes using ingredients from our garden or foraged nearby. These shared rituals embed life skills and promote a strong sense of community and wellbeing.

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🌿Loose Parts and Natural Materials


Children explore an ever-changing palette of natural materials—from leaves and sticks to pinecones and pebbles. These "loose parts" offer endless opportunities for construction, art, and imaginative play. According to early childhood research, this kind of open-ended play supports cognitive flexibility, creativity, and collaboration.


🐾Learning Through Habitats


We foster a deep respect for living things by exploring local habitats and animal life cycles. Children learn how to care for their environment and understand their role in protecting it. These early lessons in sustainability lay the groundwork for future environmental stewardship.

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🧑‍🌾Growing and Harvesting


Our garden-to-plate experiences teach children where food comes from, how it grows, and the importance of healthy eating. Watching a tiny seed turn into a tomato or a sunflower not only sparks wonder but teaches patience, responsibility, and the rhythm of the seasons.


🛖Yurt Time: Reading in Nature


Inside our cozy yurt, children can dive into books and stories that connect them to the world around them. Reading in natural settings has been shown to increase concentration, reduce stress, and enhance language development in early years learners.

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🌲Climbing and Risk-Taking


Whether it’s scrambling over logs or building structures on a grand scale, our little explorers are learning to manage risk, build physical confidence, and test their own boundaries—all vital ingredients for lifelong resilience.


🛖Den Building and Imaginative Play


Creating dens is more than just fun—it teaches problem-solving, teamwork, and spatial awareness. Children design their own hideaways, shelters, and role-play spaces, using natural resources and boundless imagination.


🐦Birdwatching and Nature Care


We embed care and respect for nature into everything we do. From quiet birdwatching moments to discussing recycling and sustainability, children learn that their small actions can make a big difference. Early exposure to nature has been linked to higher levels of empathy and environmental awareness later in life.

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Why It Matters

Forest School isn’t just a lovely day out—it's a research-backed approach that supports emotional regulation, cognitive development, and social skills. Children who learn in nature are calmer, more focused, and more engaged. It’s learning with roots—deep ones.


So next time you see a toddler clutching a muddy stick with pride or balancing on a log like a tightrope artist, know that real learning is happening—in the most powerful classroom there is.


About Us:

We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision and here at Toddlers Inn, after years of experience, we think we understand what is important to both parents and children. We realise the demands and pressures parents have in their lives and we therefore offer many different, flexible sessions to suit every parent's needs. Whether you are applying for a funded or self-funding place, or have vouchers from work, we will always endeavour to find what works best for you.


Visit our website at www.toddlersinnnursery.co.uk 




 
 
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