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In the recent past, the establishment of forest schools has been on the rise. It has caused an increase in outdoor activities in primary and nursery schools all over the world. However little is known about the pros and cons of forest schools. Do they really have any advantages or disadvantages? Let us have a look at some of the pros and cons of forest schools.

Pros of forest schools:

1. Creates independence: Do you want to get the best out of your learners? Forest schools are the right package that creates resilient and independent learners who are curious to answer questions on their own.

2. Improves focus: This is a wonderful confine for learners who struggle to concentrate and focus in the classroom. It is a much more active way of learning outside classroom settings. It helps to instill behavioral change.

3. Builds confidence: Forest schools are a major source of building confidence in young learners. It helps build their own capabilities and self-belief.

4. Social skills: Forest schools are a major avenue for improving learners’ peer skills. This is achieved through the interaction learners have as they try to engage in activities in this risky environment. The fact that they try to be safe together gives them a sense of community.

5. Healthy lifestyle: Forest schools are an excellent way to ensure that all learners have the best and healthy bodies they need as they grow up. It is an environment that allows them to enjoy and exercise with their peers.

Cons of forest schools:

1. It is not meant for all children: These forest school environments may not suit all students. This is because many students prefer to just get to class learn and go back home. Again most parents don’t prefer taking their kids to such schools at they are afraid of the risks associated with forest schools.

2. Weather changes: Forest schools are not conducive especially during cold winter times. It makes it bitterly cold hence a major concern to the health of young learners. This makes it a major point of concern when choosing forest schools.

3. Safety and Hygiene issues: Children who are in forest schools engage in a lot of activities which exposes them to a lot of unhygienic items. This makes it a dangerous venture to the health of these young learners as they may be injured or end up contracting bacteria thus impacting their health negatively.

4. Difficult Transition: It is evidently clear that most forest school learners find it hard to adapt to normal school settings when they transfer to some of these new schools. They find it hard to adapt to the new routines and processes, some of which don’t sound so normal to them.

All in all, it is important to understand that forest schools offer clear learning approaches that help them to grow. Forest schools have been a major talking point due to the fact that they help nurture learners by allowing them to take risks, engage with their peers and most importantly allow learning to take place. However, as a parent, it is important to weigh and know what suits your child best.