NATURE SCHOOL DAYS
SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CURRICULUM
Nature school activities strengthen children's and young people's connection to nature and support their development towards a sustainable lifestyle. These activities are closely aligned with national early childhood education and school curricula.
Nature school activities help support the implementation of the curriculum in this regard. Learning at a nature school is based on hands-on experiences and inquiry. The learning environment is typically nature itself, a museum, or a nature center. Program sessions last a few hours, and participation is arranged through an application or registration process.
The nature-oriented approach is also reflected in the emphasis placed on themes of sustainable development across all school activities.
NATURE SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
In Search of Biodiversity
4th Grade
Duration: 3,5 h
Target group: 10-11-vuotiaat
Objectives:
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Strengthening skills for exploration, active participation, and outdoor movement/hiking
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Developing nature observation skills and knowledge, including the ability to identify characteristic habitats and organisms
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Deepening one's personal connection to nature, thereby increasing understanding of the importance of environmental protection
In this workshop, participants learn about biodiversity through hands-on, experiential activities. The session begins with an interactive game to explore the concept of biodiversity. Throughout the day, participants study nature and step into the shoes of wild animals through various games and tasks.
The program includes a snack break by the campfire on the shore of Lake Sahajärvi. Note: No campfire is permitted during a forest fire warning.
Secrets of the Manor Forest
Grades 2-3
Duration: 3,5 h
Target group: 8-10-vuotiaat
Objectives:
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To enjoy nature
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To understand the importance of biodiversity
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To encourage children to be active in nature
The entire nature school day is spent in the forest. The activity begins at the old hydroelectric power plant and concludes at Teijo School. Along the way, we enjoy a packed lunch by a campfire on the shore of Lake Sahajärvi. (Note: No campfire is permitted during a forest fire warning.)
Every forest has its own story. This time, we explore the rich broad-leaved forest within the nature conservation area of Teijo National Park. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. We also get a glimpse into Teijo’s history: how is it possible for Douglas firs to grow in a Finnish forest?
Forest and poem
Grades 5-6
Duration: 3,5 h
Target group: 11-13-vuotiaat
Objectives:
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To explore various poems and understand the role of nature within them
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To enjoy an immersive and memorable day in nature and deepen one’s personal connection to the natural world through experience
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To get to know Teijo National Park
In the "Forest and Poetry" workshop, children step into the inner landscapes of Finnish poets within an outdoor classroom.
By observing and exploring the scenery and immediate surroundings, participants gather words inspired by beautiful vistas, natural sounds, and scents—experiencing the beauty of Finnish nature with all their senses. These words are then crafted into poems together.
A meal break will be held by the shore of Lake Sahajärvi. Note: Campfires are not permitted during forest fire warnings.
RECYCLING SESSION
(for early primary education)
Duration: 45min
Target group: from preschool to 2nd grade
Objectives:
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To develop the student's relationship with nature
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To support the student's interaction and cooperation skills
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To increase the student's knowledge and skills regarding recycling and sorting
During the lesson, students learn about recycling. To start, they explore which products belong in which recycling bins, covering materials such as plastic, cardboard, mixed waste, and paper. Afterward, the students practice sorting firsthand by categorizing actual pieces of clean, washed waste.
In addition to the sorting activity, the aim is to demonstrate how items that might otherwise end up as mixed waste could be recycled in other ways.
THE FOREST ELF’S
RECYCLING SESSION
(for early childhood education)
Duration: 1-1,5 h
Target group: 3–5-year-olds
Objectives:
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To foster the child's connection with nature
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To raise their awareness of recycling
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To develop their skills in sorting waste and identifying what constitutes waste
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To support the child's interaction and communication skills as well as their language proficiency
During the recycling-themed session, children explore the recycling of cardboard, plastic, and mixed waste. They learn which items belong in these categories and what actually constitutes waste. The aim is to demonstrate how items that might otherwise end up as mixed waste can be given a new lease on life through creative reuse.
Once the children are familiar with the terminology and the correct sorting categories, they get to sort actual, clean, and washed waste items.
The session leader dresses up as a forest spirit, guiding the children as they discover the world of the forest. At the end of the session, each child receives a golden pinecone as a token of appreciation for acting on behalf of nature.