Learning Through Belonging at Forest School
Starting nursery or school is a big step for little ones – and for parents too! Beyond the practical skills of counting, writing, and reading, what children really need in their early years is something deeper: a sense of belonging. At Forest School, we’ve seen time and again that when children feel safe, valued, and part of a community, their learning and development flourish in ways a classroom alone can’t always provide.
Belonging before learning
Imagine being dropped into a new place with new people and no familiar routines – it would feel daunting for any of us. For children, especially in their early years, that sense of uncertainty can make it harder to learn, play, or explore freely.
That’s why belonging comes first. When children know they are part of a group, when they feel welcomed and accepted for who they are, they have the confidence to take risks, make mistakes, and try new things. Belonging is the foundation of resilience, independence, and creativity.
The forest as a community space
At Footprints on the Moon, we use the forest itself as our classroom. Nestled in beautiful Plessey Woods, our children explore trails, gather around campfires, and learn through the rhythms of the natural world.
Our daily rituals (like joining in the warrior call) help children settle into routines and feel part of the group. These simple but powerful traditions build trust and identity, showing each child: this is our place, our forest family, and I belong here.
Why connection matters in early childhood education
It isn’t just about friendships – it’s about feeling rooted in both people and place. Forest School encourages children to connect in three key ways:
Connection to self
Children build confidence and self-regulation when they’re encouraged to take the lead in their own learning. They discover what they’re capable of, and that sense of pride sticks with them.
Connection to others
Working together to build a den, cheering on a friend as they climb a tree, or joining in a group beach clean – these shared experiences nurture empathy, cooperation, and communication skills.
Connection to the natural world
Spending time in Plessey Woods or along the North East coast (Cresswell, Newbiggin, and Druridge are a few of our favourites!) helps children build respect for their environment. We love to show children hands-on ways to care for the places they play and explore.
Building memories, building futures
When children belong, they don’t remember facts – they remember experiences. They remember the smell of campfire smoke, the laughter of their friends, and the thrill of spotting wildlife or discovering seashells on the beach. These memories form the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being.
Parents often tell us that the confidence and independence their children gain at Forest School shows up at home and in the classroom. From solving problems more calmly to making new friends with ease, the skills children learn through belonging ripple out into every part of their lives.
Discover Forest School with Footprints on the Moon
At Footprints on the Moon, we believe that early education should be about more than worksheets and classrooms. It should be about giving children a sense of freedom, a strong community, and the chance to feel at home in nature. Because when children belong, they thrive – and when they thrive, they’re ready to take on the world.
If you’d like your child to experience the joy of learning outdoors, from woodland adventures in Plessey Woods to sandy explorations on the North East coast, we’d love to welcome you into our forest family.