These German Kindys Are Entirely Based Outdoors!

A growing number of Germans are sending their children to Waldkindergärtens (which translates to 'forest kindergarten') where they spend their days outside, learning in Nature's classroom.

The Kindy's take place almost entirely in the woods or outdoors, in rain, snow or sun (unless the weather gets really horrible).

Kids are building fires and braving the snow & it looks like they're all the better for it!

Forest kindergartens are spreading in Europe, with a particularly large concentration in Germany, where there are approximately 700 programs. They are beginning to inspire some programs in the United States too...

...and surely New Zealand's beautiful outdoors would be PERFECT for this!

These unusual schools offer educators an opportunity to think outside the box and envision a dramatically different style of education that emphasizes direct experience, self-directed inquiry, teamwork, and self-reliance.

So why are they so great? We did a bit of research and found these 10 reasons:

1. Kids are encouraged to use their imagination because they don’t become accustomed to using basic toys but instead create objects to play with from leaves, sticks, etc.
   
   
2. Kids learn to communicate better because they are not hampered by specific toys in front of them which dictate what they should be saying
   
   
3. Kids end up being healthier thanks to walking around so much outdoors
   
   
4. Less sicknesses brought home because the immune systems are boosted by all the fresh air and being exposed to the elements
   
   
5. Forest kindergartens are less noisy than indoor kindergartens, which has been shown to be less stressful for kids as well as the teachers
   
   
6. When kids from German Waldkindergartens join the elementary school, the kids have displayed a significant improvement in reading, writing, mathematics, social interactions, physical skilly and many other areas
   
   
7. Kids learn to respect nature and become more aware of the types of animals, plants and trees living around them
   
   
8. Playing outside for prolonged periods has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s development, particularly in the areas of balance and agility, but also manual dexterity, physical coordination, tactile sensitivity, and depth perception
   
   
9. Children are better at assessing risks, such as handling dangerous tools or handling fire
   
   
10. Kids that have been in a forest kindergarten before primary school tend to focus more on their following education and show a greater interest in learning overall.