Sixth-graders explored the forest in Tuusula
There has been a buzz of activity in Ruotsinkylä, Tuusula, as a large group of year 6 pupils from the Helsinki metropolitan area have been exploring the forest environment. This is part of the ‘All Year 6 Pupils into the Forest’ days, during which the young people are provided with a wide range of information about forests. The programme was presented today in Tuusula.
The aim of the ‘All Sixth-Graders to the Forest’ initiative is to strengthen children’s connection with the forest and their understanding of how forests are used. During day, schoolchildren visit a series of activity stations covering topics such as forest management and forestry, tree growth, photosynthesis and the carbon cycle, forest biodiversity, and products made from wood. The day culminates in a picnic, which is enjoyed by the campfire, weather permitting.
The themes of the day activity stations are based on the curriculum. The day supports teachers’ work by providing a hands-on learning environment outside the classroom.
– The forest is a unique learning environment. It offers experiences that cannot be gained indoors, sitting in front of a screen. Experiential learning is effective, and moments spent in the forest can be remembered for years to come, says Anders Adlercreutz, Minister for Education and patron of the initiative.
‘All Sixth-Graders into the Woods’ days are being organised this academic year for 24 000 pupils across nine regions. In the coming years, the aim is to extend the programme to the entire age group, i.e. nearly 60 000 pupils.
Days are organised in collaboration with local organisations, such as 4H clubs, forestry organisations, educational institutions and leisure organisations. The activities are supported by the Finnish Forest Foundation and LähiTapiola.
– Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that as many people as possible can find inspiration in the forests, explains Martta Fredrikson, Chief Executive of the Finnish Forest Foundation.
– Some people find a lifelong hobby in the forest, whilst others simply find a place where they feel at ease, adds Antti Pulkkanen, Managing Director of LähiTapiola.
The municipality of Tuusula has set out its policy on the management of its own forests in the ‘Development of the Green and Recreation Network 2020’ plan.
– No single type of forest use excludes another; a commercial forest can also be a recreational or educational forest, says municipal horticulturist Mia Järvinen.
As part of this initiative, research is being carried out at the Faculty of Education, University of Helsinki, to gather the experiences of pupils and teachers taking part in the ‘All Sixth-Graders to the Forest’ days. The research will provide new insights into the pedagogical potential of natural environments and their significance in teaching.
This content has been translated using AI