Modern childhood is increasingly lived indoors and on screens. Many children spend more time on devices than exploring nature – a shift that impacts both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
As Richard Louv explains in Last Child in the Woods:
“Natural play strengthens children’s self-confidence and arouses their senses – their awareness of the world and all that moves in it.”
At the International School of Riga (ISR), we believe that children deserve more than classrooms and screens. That is why our Forest School programme is an essential part of learning in ISR Primary.
🌱 What Is Forest School?
The ISR Forest School programme takes learning beyond the classroom. Every week, children explore nature, build shelters, cook on open fires, and discover the world around them.
Through these experiences, students develop:
✅ Confidence and independence
✅ Teamwork and problem-solving skills
✅ Curiosity and respect for nature
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Research increasingly shows that direct exposure to nature is essential for children’s physical and emotional health. Louv highlights that nature can:
-
Reduce symptoms of ADHD
-
Improve children’s cognitive abilities
-
Strengthen resilience to stress and depression
When children engage with the natural world, they develop the ability to take calculated risks, explore creatively, and build real-world skills that support lifelong learning.
How Parents Can Add “Nature Time”
Even if your child does not attend a Forest School, there are simple ways to connect with nature:
1️⃣ Plan regular outdoor family activities – forest walks, picnics, or gardening.
2️⃣ Encourage unstructured outdoor play – climbing, exploring, and messy play.
3️⃣ Lead by example – spend time in nature together, showing its importance.
ISR’s Approach to Holistic Education
At ISR, small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a caring international community are at the heart of our Primary School.
Forest School is just one of the ways we help students gain confidence, curiosity, and life skills that extend far beyond academics.
🎥 Watch our Forest School in action: Click Here
📖 Further Reading
📚 Last Child in the Woods on Goodreads
🌐 Richard Louv’s Official Website
