The role of play is a very important part of Forest Schools. It is something I feel extremely strongly about and believe in. So much of our children’s lives is structured and from such an early age. We can often look past the importance of play. We often hurry children on to the next stage or direct them to an activity that we would like to see them complete.
The role of play is important for children to develop intellectually as well as to develop their thinking and understanding. Play is fundamental to the healthy development and well-being of individuals and communities. All children have the right to play.
Mandy Andrews (2012) suggests that there is a play continuum:
Forest Schools uses this continuum, and it allows for play to evolve. Play is often highly structured, and adult directed in schools due to space, risk and time. In Forest School sessions, some of these restrictions are not there and so play can be explored further. Sometimes play can be adult directed and highly structured such as the beginning of a Forest School journey or at a certain point of a session to regroup. It is within the ethos of Forest Schools that we try to move across the continuum and so play based learning is a rich part of the sessions, giving children time to be experiential and provide the freedom to try new games. At first these can be adult guided to provide support for new ideas.
Play can then evolve further once children are comfortable in their environment and the forest is a great space for lots of different play, especially due to the change in seasons which provide a new and exciting stimulus for games. Forest Schools allows for pure play to occur where children can be exploratory and express their emotions though play, without the need of adult support. This is at the other end of the continuum and can lead to the healthy development of a child.
It takes time and patience to be able to step back as an adult/parent to watch and observe play. It feels fascinating to watch children who are so focused on their child-led play. To be able to watch their Independence and problem-solving skills develop as well as their social and emotional skills as you merely watch on gives a great sense of pride.
I hope this provides a quick insight into what child led play is and its importance. I hope it provides the confidence to step back and follow your child’s lead in play because I promise, once you step back and watch it is truly amazing.
A book recommendation I have for you and a good introduction to this way of thinking is 365 Days of Play- Alistair Bryce-Clegg
