A recent trainee on the level 3 Forest School Leader course explored their learning journey through the training session in the woods with the group and beyond. A key thing to emerge was the value of being with others outdoors in nature, making meaningful connections, sharing ideas and supporting each other.

We see this develop on every course with the group really coming together to create a learning community in quite a short space of time and this is so important. It supports people in not feeling isolated in developing their practice and offer but also in terms of the benefits to mental health and well-being while out on the sessions.

A recent student on our level 3 Forest School Leader training created a great overview of the internal and external factors that influence how children respond and behave in different situations at forest school as I previously posted.

Clearly​ Maslow's hierarchy of needs is at the root of much of this but there is also more subtlety in terms of how different activities, experiences and spaces can have an impact too. Although there may be common themes in groups all individuals respond differently at any given moment and being a leader is about having a dynamic and flexible approach that really does respond to the needs of individuals. The challenge often seems to be balancing the needs of individuals alongside the needs of the whole group.

The other factor we often forget is how much we as adults influence the group. After all we are a key part of the group and how we interact and support the group is key. It is easy to be too busy following all our plans and churning out activities rather than seeing what is going on with the group. Sometimes letting go of our plan and allowing the group to follow and develop their ideas can be the best thing we can offer as a leader.

An excellent student working on their portfolio for the level 3 Forest School leaders qualification recently explored some of the challenges that individuals may have to get the most from the experience - they have produced this great diagram exploring the internal and external barriers to learning and engagement. There is a lot going on for all children under the surface and often worth looking at why they might be struggling to get involved - some great food for thought.