Ep21 - Benefits of forest school with Kate Maher

Rediscovering Childhood

Kate Maher, founder of Dúlra Forest School in co. Kildare Ireland, talks about what inspired her to set up her own forest school after growing up in Dublin and attending Steiner school. She shares experiences of how the impact of nature can shape our development, knowledge and understanding of the world. What is forest school and what are the main principles What skills are developed in forest schools and how this helps children be more successful in life. The difference between traditional schools and forest schools The importance of risky play for the development of skills. The role of the adult in education. Outdoor play and children’s behaviour and autonomy The balance between freedom and planning (form) when creating activities Setting real expectations with both children and parents The importance (and examples) of giving closure after an activity to support transitions The situation of Forest schools in Ireland How to access our deepest creativityKate is Dúlra’s founder and lead practitioner. With over 15 years’ teaching experience, Kate has worked internationally and in diverse educational settings. A qualified primary school teacher and founding member of the Chartered Institute of Teaching, she also holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree from the National College of Art and Design.Raised in Dublin and Kildare, she combines her artistic background with musical expertise, having taught violin and Kinder -music with the Kildare Outreach Programme. She completed her Forest School Leadership Level 3 Certification with Huathe UK.Dúlra is a Kildare-based educational organisation running outdoor forest school sessions in Ireland.Dúlra follows the Forest School ethos to provide rich, engaging sessions in wild outdoor settings. Dúlra’s sessions & workshops include Irish folklore and traditions as well as the use of the Irish language. Currently, Dúlra delivers in-school programmes, afterschool clubs, nature walks, community workshops, and holiday camps with primary school children, families and community groups in Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow & Kilkenny. Dúlra is a member of the Irish Forest School Association, Forest Schools Association (UK), and Cill Dara le Gaeilge.