Girton Cottontails Preschool
Forest School
Girton Cottontails Pre School is also a forest school. Every Wednesday we go to the woods alongside the recreation ground to explore and learn through the environment. The children love exploring the woodland environment in all weathers and seasons to engage in motivating and achievable tasks and activities. They work with tools, play, learn both physical and social boundaries of behaviour, grow in confidence, self esteem and motivation whilst developing an understanding of the natural world.
The Forest School is a unique educational experience and process that offers children hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. It is a concept that originated in Denmark where it was found that children who had attended a forest preschool then arrived at school with strong social and communication skills, had the ability to work in groups effectively, generally had high self esteem and confidence in their own abilities. These foundations helped them raise their academic achievements.

As a forest school we encourage children to
Develop personal and social skills
Work through practical problems and challenges
Use tools to create build or manage
Discover how they learn best
Pursue knowledge that interests them
Learn how to manage failures
Build confidence in decision making and evaluating risk
Develop practical skills
Understand the benefits of a balanced and healthy life style
Explore connections between humans, wildlife and the earth
Regularly experience achievement and success
Reflect on learning and experiences
Develop their language and communication skills
Become more motivated
Improve their concentration skills