Forest Kindergarten – Study of preschool teachers’ perceptions of learning in nature

Nirit Asaf and Nirit Lavie Alon

Forest kindergarten is an educational approach for extracurricular learning, which includes prolonged visits to a fixed natural environment, where nature and its resources provide a source of free play and unstructured learning. This educational approach places importance on the educator’s strong affinity for the natural environment together with an understanding of the change in his/her role from a ‘teacher’ to a mediator and guide.

In this study we examined whether and how preschool teachers’ perceptions of learning in nature changed following participation in a professional development program (PDP) on forest kindergartens. We also examined which components of the programme contributed to the change in perception and the implementation of the forest kindergarten educational approach, and whether it is possible to describe the development of attitudes towards learning in nature.

The programme took place entirely outside, in a fixed location at Ramat Hanadiv, and following the forest kindergarten approach, it took place in all types of weather and also at night. During the meetings, the preschool teachers listened to forest kindergarten experts who described the approach, were exposed to new ideas and participated in a wide range of hands-on experiences in nature: observing and listening, working with mud, foraging, being creative, playing games, storytelling, and more. The preschool teachers also shared their experiences and feelings, consulted with each other and helped each other.

The study was a qualitative study using a multi-case investigation approach. It included 13 preschool teachers out of 25 who participated in the programme. The research tools were questionnaires before and after the programme, observations that documented the meetings, interviews with selected preschool teachers before and after the programme, reflective analysis, and an assignment that described an excursion in nature with the preschool children.

The results of the study demonstrate that all the preschool teachers changed their perceptions and nature visiting habits to some extent following the programme: the aims they defined for visiting nature become more diverse, free activity was added alongside structured activities in nature, and the frequency of visiting nature and the time spend in nature both increased. Some preschool teachers also implemented a forest kindergarten model on a fixed day in the week. All the preschool teachers indicated that they enjoyed the programme and were enriched by it, both in terms of the tools they received and the personal process they underwent.

The components of the programme that contributed to a change in perception were exposure of the preschool teachers to a new conceptual perception, meeting inspirational people, spending time in nature as part of the programme (that was entirely outside!), the connections forged among the preschool teachers, sharing and reflective discussion, receiving new knowledge, receiving practical tools, and having hands-on experience. Similarly, the great investment in organising the programme was acknowledged. Moreover, elements that may affect the process the preschool teachers underwent and the implementation of forest kindergartens were identified, including the challenge of accompanying adults to activities, the support of the local municipality and the Ministry of Education, the attitudes of parents and staff towards learning in nature, the nature of the preschool children, the weather, the preschool teachers’ familiarity with the site and environment, and further exposure of preschool teachers to the forest kindergarten concept in meetings and professional development programmes. All of these topics are recommended for further research.

References for further reading:

Bailie Ensel, P. (2014). Forest School in Public School: Is It Possible?

Carruthers, R., & Hoed, D. (editors). (2014). Forest and Nature School in Canada Guide.

Lindemann-Matthies, P., & Knecht, S. (2011). Swiss elementary school teachers’ attitudes

toward forest education. The journal of environmental education, 42(3), 152-167.

Maynard, T. (2007). Forest Schools in Great Britain: an initial exploration. Contemporary

issues in early childhood, 8(4), 320-331.

O’Brien, L. (2009). Learning outdoors: The Forest School approach. Education 3–13, 37(1),

45-60.

O’Brien, L., & Murray, R. (2006). A marvelous opportunity for children to learn. A

participatory evaluation of Forest School in England and Wales.

Sobel, D. (2015). Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor

Learning. Redleaf Press.

Stasiuk, P. Early Nature Lessons in Denmark’s Forest Preschools

Waite, S., Bølling, M., & Bentsen, P. (2015). Comparing apples and pears? a conceptual

framework for understanding forms of outdoor learning through comparison of English

Forest Schools and Danish udeskole. Environmental Education Research, 1-25.

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Establishment of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability

In 2015, Ramat Hanadiv established the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, aiming to combine forces for the quality of life in the region. Five neighbouring councils – Binyamina Givat-Ada Local Council, Zikhron Ya’akov, Hof Hacarmel Regional Council, Jisr A-Zarqa and Alona Regional Council – joined Ramat Hanadiv in order to work together on the challenges of preserving the unique texture of the region surrounding Hanadiv Valley and Taninim River. The point of reference of the partnership lies in two central understandings: the first, that quality of life and residents’ wellbeing are closely linked to the state of the environment in which we live, and the second, that sustainability issues are cross-regional and do not recognise municipal borders. Therefore, the partners committed to raising regional awareness and broadening their perspective from the local scale to the entire region.

The partners chose to focus on three core issues: striving for coexistence of nature, agriculture and humans, promoting sustainable regional transport, and developing sustainable regional economy.

Since its inception, the Partnership has gained a worthy place among both the region’s residents and decision makers. In January 2017, the heads of the five member councils of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, the CEO of Ramat Hanadiv and 120 members of the Partnership’s leading forum, signed the Partnership Agreement, which defines the vision, aims and directions of action for the region in the coming years. By doing so, the signatories committed themselves to leading the region towards a future of quality of life and consideration for the values of environment and sustainability.

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Of further interest...

Accessibility

An accessible trail through the Nature Park

In the Nature Park at Ramat Hanadiv there are a number of spectacular hiking routes.

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Sustainable gardening is defined as gardening that considers the needs of the current generation without harming the needs of future generations. It includes garden design that considers the existing elements on site – the landscape, soil, environment and vegetation suitable for the region

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Dining Here

Dining

To complete your Ramat Hanadiv experience, you are cordially invited to enjoy the culinary pleasures of Mata’im, the cafe-restaurant on our premises.

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Mata'im Restaurant

Kiosk

The Picnic Site

To complete your Ramat Hanadiv experience, you are cordially invited to enjoy the culinary pleasures of Mata’im, the cafe-restaurant on our premises. With an accent on absolutely fresh ingredients and healthful eating, Mata’im offers a top-quality (kosher) dairy menu that brings diners to a new appreciation of the earth, of roots, and of the magnificent environment enveloping themselves and the restaurant.

Mata’im is also proud of its social agenda: Part its staff is comprised of youth at risk, who are being trained for work in the restaurant business — paving their way to fruitful careers and successful integration in society.

Mata’im – The Natural Place for Your Next Event

The restaurant is a relaxed and gracious venue for catered private celebrations and business events. Alongside Mata’im are meeting rooms and an auditorium equipped with the latest technology — the perfect site for seminars, staff meetings, training sessions, lectures and workshops.

Opening Hours:
Sun – Thurs: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Friday: 8:00 – 13:00 (On Fridays, openings hours may change. It is recommended to check before arriving).
See below opening hours during the holidays.

To reserve restaurant tables in advance (highly recommended) or plan an event, please ring us at: 04-8449998

For coordination and clarification regarding events only:

Business Events: Bell Ifraimov 053-469-8392
Private Events: Eran Peretz 053-611-0941

Diners at the restaurant pay only NIS 10 for parking. To obtain the discount please ask the restaurant staff.