Forest Kindergarten - Concept & Practice

Forest kindergarten – What exactly is a forest kindergarten?

History: Like many pedagogical concepts, the origin of the forest kindergarten also lies in Scandinavia. Since 1892 there has been an organization in Sweden that follows a nature-educational approach and offers activities for children of all ages. The neighboring Denmark also soon followed this direction. In the 1950s the first forest kindergarten was founded there. Following this example, the first forest kindergarten in Flensburg was established in 1993. In the meantime, there are well over 1000 institutions in Germany that operate as nature or forest kindergartens following the Scandinavian model.

Concept: For nature and forest kindergartens the concept is based on the idea that children find the best conditions for development in nature. There is plenty of space to move, all the senses are stimulated, and an ecological awareness is instilled from an early age. The children spend the whole day outdoors. A heated and covered retreat such as a construction trailer is only used when bad weather makes it necessary. Conventional toys that serve a specific purpose are usually not present.

Legal form: In most cases, forest kindergartens are registered associations (e. V.) that are supported by government subsidies. Additionally, many forest kindergartens rely on donations and parental contributions. Often they are founded as independent parent initiatives.

The advantages of forest kindergarten pedagogy

Imagination: Nature offers a wide repertoire of stimuli; there is always something new to discover. When playing with natural materials, the little ones can give free rein to their creativity and imagination.

Health: Those who are out in wind and weather develop a strong immune system and are more resistant to infectious diseases. At the same time, fewer accidents occur in forest kindergartens, which is also due to the fact that children learn to move more safely in a more challenging environment.

Ecological awareness: The children are outdoors in nature every day and experience it up close. In the process, they learn to treat all living beings responsibly and gently.

Language development: Since the children do not play with dominating toys, they have to communicate about the use and meaning of the objects in the forest while playing. This has a supportive effect on language development.

Stress-free: Because everyday life in a forest kindergarten takes place outdoors, noise levels are significantly lower than indoors. As a result, both the children and the educators are exposed to less stress.

Lots of space: Forest kindergartens are set up so that children have plenty of space to play, romp and explore. Since everyday life takes place outdoors, forest kindergartens are often referred to as 'kindergartens without roofs and walls'.

The disadvantages of a forest kindergarten

Waldkindergarten | Kinder untersuchen ein Blatt

Integration: Most forest kindergartens are open and positive about integrating children with disabilities. Depending on the type and degree of the disability, admission is not always possible.

Illness: If a child becomes ill or weak during the day, there is no proper place to rest.

Parental involvement: What is a plus for some parents is a real drawback for others: in the forest kindergarten parental involvement is usually mandatory. Parents' tasks include, for example, running errands or cleaning duties.

Getting there: Especially for families living in the urban area, the journey and picking up the children is often time-consuming, since forest kindergartens are usually located somewhat outside in nature.

Checklist for the forest kindergarten

When you decide to have your child cared for in a forest kindergarten, you will certainly receive from them a list stating what your child needs for everyday life there. Since the children are outdoors in all weathers, the basic equipment for the forest kindergarten includes:

Outdoor jacket, preferably 3-in-1
Outdoor pants
Rain pants or Mud pants, preferably in two sets and lined
Rain jacket, ideally 3-in-1 for all seasons and in two sets
Waterproof, warm and comfortable shoes
Hats in various types to protect against cold, sun and wind
Gloves for winter, if necessary unlined mud gloves
Underwear such as underpants, undershirts and socks as spares; for the cold season, additionally long underwear
Slippers for the shelter
A set of clothing for the shelter
Light backpack
Shatterproof Water bottle
Washable seat cushion