To think there should be more, many more, forest schools?

[Gincognito]

And to wonder why anyone wouldn't want to send their pre-school dc to one?

It just seems like such a fabulous idea - all that time out in nature, learning how to manage risk (eg setting boundaries, learning why you have to walk around the fire, not touch the fungi etc), developing motor skills, engaging in imaginative play...

Sorry, don't mind me. I'm just reading Last Child in the Woods .

Sorry, it was very who mentioned seeking shelter...

I think that it is great to get out as much as possible, but that you do need some of the time indoors, there is no joy in pouring rain-(the only way to get any joy is to know that you can get out of it and warm and dry).

Bloody hell, it sound hideous.

I've also never got why it's supposed to be so vital for children to spend most of their time outside. Virtually no adults do.

And then someone mentioned a link with Montessori and I realised why it all sounded so questionable...

There were several near our home in Germany, but I hated the idea.

It is all very well in good weather, but to do this in Scotland is just daft. You have a lot of rain, a lot of wind. What is the advantage to being outside full time in that weather?

Our kindergarten had some Montessori teaching, they organised Waldwoche once or twice a year but that was enough for the children.

We found that the DC loved Waldwoche if the weather was ok, if it was teeming down they had to cancel as the DC were just miserable.

Would you like to spend all day every day outdoors? Or rather, just because you would, does not mean that it is suitable for everyone.

You can do all that stuff on a weekend.To do it all day day in day out seems a little unbalanced to me!

I guess I don't subscribe to that theory. I think humans are drawn to comfort, shelter and civilization. The only adults who spend all day outside are those who have no choice ( makes me think of a day in the life of Ivan denisovich). To make your children do it sounds like sacrificing their comfort for ideology.

lovemyboysandbeagles theres a steiner preschool somewhere round accringtoni

i thought about training as a montesorri nursery teacher, might still do when dc's are at school

Even in non-forest kindergartens, Scandinavian children spend far more time out of doors and in far nastier weather than here. Have never met a Scandinavian child who did not own a full suit of rain suit+wellies and a snow suit for the colder months. They genuinely do believe it is bad for you not to spend time out of doors. But then the adults tend to spend more time outside as well.

Not sure I'd have gone for the whole forest thing- but I would have liked something where children weren't kept in at break time every time it rained/snowed/was slightly windy/temperature towards freezing point.

DD's school do forest school sessions, half a day one day a week. Its about 10 miles from school and parents are asked to pay a contribution of £6 per term per child.
They get kitted out in snowsuits and go whatever the weather. The only time they don't go is when the roads are too dangerous to travel IE ice and snow.

The Kids love it. Not sure i would want DD To go full time though

I agree with MmeL - I really struggle to believe any child would prefer to be outside, playing in the pouring rain. Being read a story where the pages stick together. Sleeping on damp earth. Peeling off 16 layers of clothes to go for a wee. Imagine potty training!

Any child stealth?

My lot were having a mud fight in the pouring rain only the other day (they then hosed each other down). Their choice, not mine.

btw anyone know of a fulltime one in norfolk?

weel OK there are always exceptions :o My children like being outside. They also like snuggling up on the sofa wrapped in blankets. Do your children not like being indoors?

Yes they do.

But none of these schools are 24 hours a day so if they went to one they could spend other time inside. At the moment they spend most of their free time outside instead. It would just be a reversal for us I guess