Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E009
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E009 (2025)
Forest kindergarten. How does nature support children’s development?
Wiktoria Krakowiak1*
1 Doctoral School of Social Sciences at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Weteranów 18, 20-400 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: krakowiak-wiktoria@o2.pl
Abstract
Forest preschools are an innovative form of pre-school education in which children spend a significant amount of time outdoors, learning through contact with nature. Research suggests that nature-based education supports children’s development in many aspects, including physical, mental, social and cognitive. This study aims to present the latest scientific data on the impact of forest kindergartens on children’s all-round development and to discuss the challenges of implementing this form of education. This study is based on a review of recent scientific literature, including articles from peer-reviewed journals, reports from educational institutions and meta-analyses on the impact of forest education on child development. The analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative studies, focusing on five key aspects: physical development, mental development, social development and education. The analysis of the literature confirms that children attending forest kindergartens show better physical fitness, higher resilience and better-developed motor skills. In addition, regular contact with nature promotes emotional development, reduces stress levels and improves concentration. Socially, children from forest kindergartens are more likely to show cooperation skills, independence and greater self-confidence. Education in nature also promotes creativity, allowing children to freely explore their environment and develop problem-solving thinking. Despite its many benefits, forest education faces some challenges, such as organizational difficulties, weather conditions and parents’ concerns about children’s safety. Forest kindergartens are a valuable alternative to traditional educational institutions, offering children holistic development in harmony with nature. Research confirms that this form of education positively influences children’s health, creativity and social skills while teaching them respect for the environment.
Keywords: forest kindergartens, environmental education, child development
How to cite
W. Krakowiak, 2025. Forest kindergarten. How does nature support children’s development?. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E009