Books like Year of Forest School by Jane Worroll

In this book the author argues that a strong connection to nature is essential for human health. Supported by research, anecdotal evidence, and personal stories, the author shows how tapping into the restorative powers of the natural world can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds. He outlines seven precepts he calls the "Nature Principle", which include balancing technology excess with time in nature; a mind/body/nature connection, which he calls "vitamin N," that enhances physical and mental health; expanding our sense of community to include all living things; and purposefully developing a spiritual, psychological, physical attachment to a region and its natural history. The book presents examples of these precepts, from studies of how exposure to a common soil bacteria increases production of serotonin in the brain to designing shopping malls inspired by termite mounds.

Richard Louv’s updated *Last Child in the Woods* explains how modern children suffer from nature‑deficit disorder, offers 101 practical actions, and documents the growth of Leave No Child Inside movements across the U.S., Canada, and abroad.

A guide to exploring and discovering the natural world.

"The rise of the Forest School movement in recent years is part of a groundswell of concern about the wellbeing of our children, with many media scare stories about child obesity, 'nature deficit disorder' (as described in Last Child in the Woods) and lack of exposure to risk. This woodland adventure book brings the activities and 'learning through nature' ethos of Forest School to the parents of nursery and primary school-age children. It's packed full of ideas, from making nature jewellery and whittling a bow and arrow to building a shelter and foraging for food; it also celebrates the Forest School philosophy of encouraging self-esteem, confidence and social skills through engagement with nature. As well as sharing Forest School's brilliant ideas for activities, this book encourages parents to follow aspects of the Forest School approach in the way they handle play sessions; in, for example, getting adults to engage actively while being careful to let the kids lead; in framing sessions with small rituals). Activity variations target different age groups, and there are ideas for small groups (for play dates, for example, or children's birthday parties) as well as things to do with just one or two children. While the book is aimed at parents, who are encouraged to guide the play, the activity instructions are written in a simple style so that children can read them too, and the illustrations are also intended to be enjoyed by children." --Publisher description.