ENGLISH FOREST SCHOOL
Your child begins their language journey here
We run weekly 1-2 hour English Forest School sessions in inspiring natural settings that allow for young children to learn English in nature. For 4 to 8 and 8 to 12 year olds. Native level English instruction with qualified guides. Learn through exploration!
They love it. They learn
“We saw how small children happily put on their boots and rain coats and headed outside… splashing in puddles, picking flowers, gathering sticks – just like kids love to do. Mix this with guidance and instruction in English ….and the method was born…English Forest School”
Founders, Francis and Diana Heybrook
How does English Forest School work?
We make English natural. Forest School practices and Bushcraft activities make learning English inspiring.
Children love our sessions. There is no difference in their minds between exploring in nature and learning English.
Children learn. Language has a chance to be used in a meaningful and active way. They are doing what they are learning.
We carefully plan every outdoor session, following a sequence, a term at a time. Each session has a topic that leads on from the previous session.
Language production is encouraged. Every session has a language learning objective to allow for the children to produce new language.
Materials are provided. Children often take handiwork work home so their enthusiasm and learning continues after the class.
Children reflect on and internalise their learning. We work on the whole child and their role within the group. Sessions are wrapped up with a review of what they learnt and how they felt.
We are... a place where children will learn to communicate in English
We are... where children get close to nature and
We are not ...
Do you know someone who has been studying English for years but still lacks the confidence to use their skills and communicate effectively? It’s a common experience, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
At 4Elements Galicia, we start with young children, cultivating a positive attitude towards English learning. We believe that by teaching English in harmony with nature, we can foster a sense of freedom and self-confidence that will help learners communicate with ease.
What is Forest School?
Forest School originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s as a response to the loss of opportunities for children to play and learn in natural environments due to urbanization and industrialization.
The approach involves taking children and young people on regular visits to a natural setting, where they engage in hands-on activities such as building, exploring, and playing.
Forest School gained popularity in the UK in the 1990s and has since become a well-established educational approach. It has been recognized for its many benefits, including improved physical and mental health, increased confidence, and enhanced social and emotional development.
The approach continues to grow and evolve globally, providing children with opportunities to connect with nature and experience the benefits of hands-on, experiential learning in the great outdoors.
Learning outdoors has numerous benefits:
Improving long-term health and well-being
Developing transferable skills such as communication and teamwork
Improving concentration, and encouraging a positive attitude towards learning.
Helps learners develop emotional literacy, which is essential for success in all areas of life
What about Bushcraft at English Forest School?
At English Forest School, we use Bushcraft as a way to engage older learners. Bushcraft is the art of using the natural environment to meet basic human needs, such as shelter, food, and water. Children aged 8 to12 years are usually fascinated by “survival” and the potential of learning new skills to increase their level of independence (from adult guidance) is perfectly provided for by Bushcraft.
Bushcraft activities include fire building and outdoor cooking, shelter construction, and tool use. By integrating Bushcraft into our Forest School sessions and camps, we provide a unique and valuable experience for older learners that they will carry with them for life.