Professional paper

CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT THROUGH OUTDOOR PLAY – FOREST PEDAGOGY

Lucija Koren *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

In the context of increasing urbanization and digitalization, children spend less time outdoors, which has a negative impact on their overall development. In response to such challenges, the concept of forest pedagogy has been developed, which emphasizes the importance of play and learning in a natural environment. Forest kindergartens are a concrete application of this approach, providing children with daily contact with nature while stimulating their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. This paper outlines the fundamental principles of forest pedagogy and explores the benefits and challenges associated with implementing this educational model. It also presents the state of forest pedagogy in Europe and Croatia, with an emphasis on good practice and potential for further development. Through a variety of activities – from exploratory and sensory to creative and motor – forest pedagogy provides children with freedom, experiential learning, and a strong connection with nature.

Keywords

child development, forest pedagogy, forest kindergartens

Hrčak ID:

347297

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347297

Publication date:

17.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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