Are you exploring alternative education options for your child and feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Understanding the distinctions between Forest School and Waldorf education—while also being aware of other approaches like Montessori—can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your child’s unique needs and temperament.
Understanding Forest School
Forest School is an educational approach that combines elements of Reggio Emilia philosophy with nature-based learning. Originating in Scandinavia in the 1950s before spreading to the UK in the 1990s, Forest School, often thought of as the ‘head, hands and heart’ approach, emphasises regular, extended periods of learning in outdoor environments.
According to the Forest School Association (UK), this approach is defined by six key principles:
- Forest School is a long-term process with regular sessions rather than one-off visits
- It takes place in a woodland or natural environment
- It promotes holistic development
- It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks
- It is run by qualified Forest School practitioners
- It uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning
“Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions,” explains the Forest School Association. “It is a long-term programme that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting” (Forest School Association, 2023).
Understanding Waldorf Education
Waldorf education (also known as Steiner education) was developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. It aims to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner.
The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship describes their approach as one that “takes account of the needs of the whole child—academic, physical, emotional and spiritual.” The curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, fostering pupils’ imagination and creativity.
Key features of Waldorf education include:
- Age-appropriate education that follows child development stages
- Integration of arts across the curriculum
- Same teacher staying with a class for multiple years (class teachers)
- Emphasis on imagination, creativity and moral development
- Limited use of technology, especially in early years
- Rhythm and routine in daily, weekly and yearly activities
“Steiner believed that children need a balanced education that engages ‘head, heart, and hands,'” notes the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), so in this regard there is an overlapping philosophy to Forest School.
Similarities between Forest School and Waldorf
Despite their different origins, Forest School and Waldorf education share several important commonalities:
- Holistic Development: Both approaches view children as whole beings and aim to nurture physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
- Connection to Nature: While Forest School places nature at the centre of its approach, Waldorf education also emphasises seasonal rhythms and outdoor play.
- Play-Based Learning: Both philosophies value free play as fundamental to healthy development, especially in the early years.
- Emphasis on Imagination: Creative thinking and imaginative play are encouraged in both educational models.
- Limited Technology: Both approaches typically limit screen time and electronic toys, especially for younger children.
- Respect for Childhood: Both philosophies believe in protecting the sanctity of childhood and allowing children to develop at their own pace.
According to the International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education, “Both approaches value the importance of rhythm, relationships, and reverence for the natural world.”
Key Differences
While there are notable similarities, Forest School and Waldorf education differ in several important ways:
Learning Environment
- Forest School: Almost exclusively outdoors in natural settings
- Waldorf: Balance of indoor and outdoor activities with emphasis on beautiful, homelike classroom environments
Curriculum Structure
- Forest School: Less structured, child-led learning following interests
- Waldorf: More structured progression following developmental stages
Teacher Role
- Forest School: Teachers as facilitators who follow children’s interests
- Waldorf: Teachers as authorities who guide based on developmental understanding
Academic Emphasis
- Forest School: Academic learning through discovery and experience
- Waldorf: Academic learning introduced at developmentally appropriate times
Artistic Approach
- Forest School: Art emerges naturally from materials found in nature
- Waldorf: Specific artistic curriculum including watercolour, form drawing, modelling
Spiritual Component
- Forest School: Spiritual connection through nature
- Waldorf: More explicit spiritual and mythological content
The Early Years Steiner/Waldorf Community highlights that “Waldorf education is a comprehensive educational system from early childhood through high school, while Forest Schools often complement other educational approaches.”
Is It Right for Your Child?
Consider these questions to help determine if Waldorf, Forest School, or perhaps Montessori (which offers a more structured environment with emphasis on independence and specific materials) might be the best fit:
For Waldorf education, your child might thrive if they:
- Respond well to rhythm, routine and predictability
- Have a vivid imagination and enjoy storytelling
- Benefit from a gentle, unhurried approach to academics
- Appreciate artistic expression through various mediums
For Forest School, your child might thrive if they:
- Have abundant physical energy and love being outdoors
- Show curiosity about the natural world
- Prefer hands-on learning through direct experience
- Demonstrate independence and enjoy risk-taking
For Montessori (which differs from both in its more structured environment with specialised learning materials and greater emphasis on independence), your child might be better suited if they prefer ordered environments and self-directed work. For a more comprehensive comparison between Forest School and Montessori, see our companion article.
Making your decision
The early childhood education approach you choose should align with your family’s values and your child’s unique temperament.
Although each approach has its own niche focuses, Forest School as an early childhood modality or playgroup option, being the more modern pedagogy, does incorporate a lot from both Waldorf and Montessori methodologies in addition to its own specific approach.
For families preferring their older children above 5years go on to attend a more structured weekly educational environment like a Waldorf or Montessori School, participating in weekly Forest School Sessions is an ideal combination.
As the Early Childhood Action group notes, “The best educational approach is one that respects childhood as a time of wonder, creativity and discovery while nurturing each child’s unique potential.”
By observing your child’s natural inclinations and considering these educational philosophies, you can make an informed choice that supports their development and love of learning.
To find a Waldorf school near you visit the South African Federation of Waldorf Schools.
And to book a Forest School visit with Pamela, founder of Nature Plays, simply send us an email to arrange.
References:
- Forest School Association (2023). What is Forest School? https://forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/
- Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship (2022). Early Years Education. https://www.steinerwaldorf.org
- International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (2021). Principles of Waldorf Early Childhood Education.
- Early Childhood Action (2020). Approaches to Early Childhood Education.
