In the grand tapestry of education, traditional classrooms have been the predominant setting for imparting knowledge for the last few centuries, however, in the grand scheme of things nature was the classroom of our great-, great-, great-, great-, great-grandparents. In fact, they had such a magnificent understanding of and relationship with nature that we are still – thousands of years later – trying to decode and understand the monuments, hieroglyphs, seeds and maps they left behind. These tools were a “simple” part of their everyday life.
As with most of natural evolution, things tend to come full circle and thanks to the offset of the pandemic in 2020, there are more outdoor classrooms and nature-based learning spaces than we may have seen in a while. Even though I went all the way with my traditional education and have the highest degree in my field, I still find that any learning opportunity I have in nature is invaluable. Who is to say that our nature classrooms will still exist as attending the school day in school is becoming more of the norm, however, I would still love to share some of my own personal research and understanding around the concept of a “nature school” and why I chose to form Moonchild Nature School instead of becoming a faculty member of a traditional university. I love embracing the boundless expanse of nature as the ultimate learning environment and any way I can share that with others, I am happy to. Welcome to world of nature school!
The Essence of Nature School Pedagogy
The nature school pedagogy is grounded in the philosophy that meaningful learning is best achieved through direct interaction with our environment. It’s not just about reading the life cycle of a butterfly; it’s about watching a caterpillar metamorphose into a butterfly. This hands-on, immersive approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a profound connection between students and the world around them. It believes in the idea that nature, in its raw form, provides a multi-sensory experience that stimulates all facets of a child’s development.
Nature Schools: A Historical and Global Perspective
The roots of the nature school concept can be traced back to Denmark in the 1950s with the inception of the first forest kindergarten. The idea blossomed and spread its branches, first throughout Scandinavia, and eventually across continents. Today, from the heart of Europe to the vast terrains of North America and Asia, nature schools have carved a niche. Research indicates palpable benefits: a study from Norway found that children attending nature schools had better motor coordination and were more likely to engage in imaginative play compared to their counterparts. Additionally, according to a survey by the American Institutes for Research, students in outdoor science programs showed a 27% improvement in mastery of science concepts.
The Nature School Curriculum: More than Just Trees and Bees
While understanding the nuances of ecosystems, flora, and fauna is fundamental, nature schools offer a broader curriculum. They tackle complex subjects like sustainability, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and even socio-economic topics like fair trade and responsible consumption. In essence, they’re preparing students not just to understand nature but to be conscientious global citizens. For instance, a day’s lesson might involve understanding the journey of a product from its raw, natural state, through its processing, and to its final consumption, weaving in elements of economics, geography, and environmental science.
Harmonizing Diverse Educational Philosophies
The essence of nature school finds resonance with other forward-thinking educational philosophies. Montessori emphasizes individualized, hands-on learning. Permaculture isn’t just about agriculture but designs that mirror natural ecosystems. Popular education fosters collective learning and social change. Nature school beautifully amalgamates elements from these philosophies, emphasizing experiential learning, holistic development, and empowerment. All these approaches share the tenet that education isn’t a passive receipt of information but an active, collaborative journey of discovery.
A Vision for Equity: The Transformative Power of Nature Schools
Nature, in its infinite wisdom, knows no barriers of class, race, or socio-economic status. The outdoors becomes an accessible classroom for all, bridging gaps and fostering an ethos of inclusivity. Moreover, by equipping students with the skills to be environmentally conscious, nature schools are cultivating a generation that values resource conservation and sustainable practices. In the grander scheme, such an approach can counteract systemic inequalities by promoting shared responsibility and communal ownership of our planet’s resources.
Concluding, nature schools present a paradigm shift in education, advocating a holistic worldview that intertwines human growth with environmental stewardship. As our world grapples with environmental and societal challenges, perhaps it’s time to lend our ears to the age-old wisdom of nature, letting it guide our paths in education and beyond.
