Goderich Forest School program combines outdoor learning with interest-based education

Students participate in several outdoor activities within various environments promoting skills such as hand eye coordination and problem solving which are critical practices within the brain of a developing child.

Children in Goderich are swapping desks for dirt and trees one day a week, thanks to At Last Forest Schools, where hands-on, inquiry-based learning is paired with social, physical, and mental development.

“Our main goal is to complement traditional and homeschooling learning,” said Christine Brown, principal and operations manager at At Last Forest Schools.

“Kids who attend one of those two learning methods come to use one day a week every Wednesday. It’s more of a holistic approach of things, it’s very much interest based, and we don’t have a set curriculum.”

Brown says that educators and staff go off student’s passions through inquiry-based learning. There’s a strong focus on building confidence, advocacy and resilience that will complement their curriculum learning in traditional school or homeschool settings.

“There’s a huge physical component to the school. We are giving them seven hours to communicate and socialize,” said Brown.

“As we all know, the key thing we all need going through life. From building a fort, they are asking questions and it’s a very hands-on, social and collaborative experience for the students. This encourages the kids to problem solve and communicate with each other.” 

Goderich Forest School accepts up to 14 children between the ages of 4 to 12 and runs year-round. The Goderich branch is affiliated with At Last Forest schools that specializes in our learning, with 13 locations across Ontario. 

Brown says that the school runs a low student ratio to hone in on a student’s interests, which wouldn't be possible in a larger group setting. Smaller numbers allow valued communication with each child as much as possible on an individual basis. 

Brown adds from parent and teacher testimonies that students diagnosed with ADHD tend to show less symptoms in a classroom setting when they attend forest school during the week. 

“There is worry that grades are going to drop but both parents and teachers have seen the complete opposite,” said Brown.

“Students are able to concentrate more and have the confidence to participate and step out of that comfort zone and excel in school.” 

Brown says that the school practices a holistic approach to education, emphasizing social and communication skills alongside a strong focus on mental health.

Spending time outdoors is a key part of the program, helping students improve hand-eye coordination, vision, and overall physical development.

Studies show that even half an hour to an hour outside each day can benefit mental health, and the school’s students spend up to seven hours immersed in nature, multiplying those benefits.