How Forest School can turn simple discoveries into lifelong learning
In the heart of the forest, where the air is crisp, and the ground is soft underfoot, children often find themselves enchanted by the simplest things. A pinecone, for instance, can captivate a child’s imagination like nothing else. It’s rough, spiky, and fits perfectly in their little hands. But what if I told you that this humble pinecone is more than just a woodland treasure? In the world of forest school, a pinecone becomes a gateway to discovery, creativity, and even academic learning.
When children pick up a pinecone, they’re not just collecting a keepsake—they’re engaging with nature on a deeper level. The texture, the shape, the weight—all these sensory details feed their curiosity. In forest school, we encourage children to explore these details further, sparking their innate sense of wonder. Why is the pinecone shaped this way? What tree did it come from? These simple questions lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Art in the Forest
Pinecones are not just objects to be studied; they’re also tools for creativity. In forest school, we take these small treasures and turn them into art. Children might use pinecones to paint, pressing them into paper to create patterns, or they might string them together to make natural garlands. As they create, they learn about patterns, shapes, and symmetry. They experiment with colours and textures, developing their artistic skills while also fostering an appreciation for the beauty found in nature.
Math in the Pines
But the learning doesn’t stop with art. Pinecones are also an excellent introduction to math. When children count the scales on a pinecone, they’re practicing their counting skills. When they compare the size of different pinecones, they’re learning about measurement and comparison. And when they arrange pinecones in a sequence, they’re beginning to understand concepts like patterning and order. For older children, the conversation can turn to the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio and, if really keen, logarithmic spiral. In forest school, math isn’t confined to a classroom—it’s discovered in the wild, where it feels more like play than work.
Science of the Pinecone
As children delve deeper into their love for pinecones, they naturally begin to ask more complex questions. Why do pinecones open and close? How do they help trees reproduce? These questions lead to lessons in biology and ecology. We might dissect a pinecone to see how the seeds are tucked away inside or observe how the pinecone changes when it gets wet. Through these activities, children learn about life cycles, ecosystems, and the incredible adaptations of plants.
The Power of Curiosity
What makes Forest School so powerful is its ability to take something as simple as a pinecone and turn it into a multifaceted learning experience. It’s not about forcing children to learn—it’s about following their lead, nurturing their natural curiosity, and guiding them as they explore the world around them. In the process, they develop a love for learning that goes beyond the confines of traditional education.
At Open Air Learning, we believe that every moment in nature is an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s discovering the intricate details of a pinecone, creating art with natural materials, or unravelling the mysteries of the forest, we strive to foster an environment where children can explore freely and learn naturally. Because in the end, it’s these simple, joyful discoveries that lead to the most profound understanding.
So next time you see a child clutching a pinecone, remember: they’re not just holding a piece of the forest—they’re holding the key to a world of learning.
Until next time, happy adventuring!
Donna Richmond
Open Air Learning
Donna Richmond is a proud mom of four active boys —two by birth and two by luck. With a deep love for nature, travel, and animals, Donna brings a rich blend of personal experience and professional passion to her work. For the past seven years, she has been home educating her two youngest sons using an eclectic learning style that combines outdoor adventure, travel, and hands-on exploration.
Donna is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that help children develop the skills they need to thrive in today’s world. With over a decade of experience leading social-emotional-based classes for both children and adults, she draws from her background in psychology and coaching. Holding a B.Sc. in Psychology (Honours) and an M.A. in Psychology, Donna is also certified and licensed in various coaching modalities, including Erickson Coaching, Louise Hay’s Heal Your Life, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and IIN Health Coaching. Currently, Donna is in the process of completing the Forest School Practitioner course through Child and Nature Alliance Canada, furthering her dedication to nature-based, outdoor learning for children.