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Erica Hermsen

@theforestschooler

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Preserving childhood through nature connection, play, and slow schooling
🌲 Founder of @everwildforestschool & @outdoorlearningalliance

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Six years ago I started a forest school because I believed kids, including mine, needed something different.

Then last fall, my daughter asked to try public school.

It challenged a lot of assumptions I had, but what hasn’t changed is my belief that kids still need nature, freedom, and time to explore. 🐾🦋

And I’m still working to change the modern educational system, even while my kids are in it. 💚

What path has your family taken when it comes to school?

#forestschool #education #natureschool #publicschool #everwildforestschool by @theforestschooler

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7 months ago

Hi friends! 👋

I’m Erica, advocate for nature-based learning and slow schooling 🐌

I’m the founder/executive director of the National Outdoor Learning Alliance (@outdoorlearningalliance), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the academic success and overall wellbeing of students nationwide through the power of place-based education. NOLA runs several community programs such as @everwildforestschool, and also provides online training, resources, and support for new and existing nature-based programs around the country.

I homeschool/wildschool/forest school my two girls, ages 6 and 9, alongside a community of other families in a co-op that runs out of my house. 🏡

I also love singing, dancing, playing guitar, riding horses, hiking, kayaking, camping, and using my creativity to make fun experiences for my little family!
🌈 ✨ 🍄 🐿️

Thanks for joining along and I hope my journey inspires you to get outside with your kiddos! 💚

From my wild heart to yours:
Erica by @theforestschooler

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4 years ago

I started a routine of getting my kids outside for 15 to 20 minutes immediately after getting home from school (even on cold or rainy days!). Our evenings have been SO much better compared to last school year. 😅

I wanted to get the science on why, and thought I’d post it here in case it’s helpful for you too!

1. Resets their nervous system: Natural sounds, fresh air, and unhurried exploration provides relief from the stimulation of the school day.

2. Supports emotional regulation: Research links nature exposure with improved mood and reduced anger and aggression.

3. Restores attention and mental energy: Hours of listening, concentrating, and following instructions can create cognitive fatigue. Nature provides opportunities for effortless attention, allowing the brain a break from demanding tasks and improving focus afterward.

4. Releases pent-up physical energy: Running, climbing, swinging, and jumping provide movement that can improve mood, reduce restlessness, and help children feel more settled after a long day of sitting in desks.

5. Gives children back a sense of control: Much of a child’s school day is directed by adults. Unstructured outdoor play allows them to make decisions, follow their interests, take manageable risks, and experience autonomy.

6. Supports better sleep: studies show that afternoon light helps balance the circadian rhythm.

7. Creates opportunities for connection: After a demanding day, children may need connection without the pressure of answering questions about school. Walking, exploring, gardening, or playing together creates natural opportunities for conversation, bonding, and emotional security.

📚 Citations in comments

#getkidsoutside #nature #kidsandnature #greentimenotscreentime by @theforestschooler

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9 days ago

Starting this evening, our Executive Director will embark on a 4-part online virtual workshop series called “Adopting the Benefits of Forest Schools into your Teaching Practice” 🌳

Hosted by the @outdoorlearningschoolandstore, this exciting weekly professional learning series is designed for educators and program leaders who want to integrate meaningful, evidence based outdoor learning into real world, educational settings - whether they’re enhancing a classroom, leading a program, or building something new.

🦋 4 x 60 minute sessions
🦋 June 3, 10, 17, 24
🦋 4pm PST / 7pm EST

Register at www.outdoorlearning.com.

Sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants the day after the live session for those who can’t attend live.

We hope to see you tonight!

#outdoorlearning #forestschool #natureschool #environmentaleducation #placebasededucation by @theforestschooler

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4 months ago

Many children today spend most of their day in structured, adult-led environments (like mine do now).

These are the ways we rebalance childhood outside of school hours. We used to do Girl Scouts, dance, and other activities, but found that what our kids really needed was more time, freedom, and space to explore. 🌱 🤸‍♀️

What helps your kids decompress after school?

#education #forestschool #naturebasededucation #riskyplay #moderneducation by @theforestschooler

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7 months ago

Here are some fun nature-inspired crafts & activities to get your family ready for Halloween! 🎃 🦇 🕷️ 👻

#halloweencrafts #naturecrafts #forestschool #halloween #forestschooling #natureschool #forestschoolideas #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance by @theforestschooler

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a year ago

Right now, yellow jackets are out of food, out of work, and taking it out on the rest of us. 😤

At this time in the season, their hives are at capacity and the larvae they used to care for are all but gone now that the queen has slowed egg production.

Worst of all, yellow jackets share food through a process called trophallaxis - larva secrete a sugary substance for the adults, and in return, the adults feed them chewed up insects and other proteins. No larvae = no food. 😩

So now yellow jackets are purposeless and hangry, and coming to a picnic table near you!
🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

#outdoorlearning #natureschool #forestschooling #forestschool #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance #outdooreducation #environmentaleducation by @theforestschooler

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a year ago

Meet the Mason Bee! 🐝

Join me on a little backyard safari to learn more about these gentle pollinators and hopefully gain confidence in letting them nest around your home - your garden will thank you for it! 🌼

#nature #pollinators #masonbee #backyardsafari #natureeducation #outdoorlearning #environmentaleducation #forestschooling #natureschool by @theforestschooler

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a year ago

I had a blast competing against 8 other Executive Directors in a Karaoke Throwdown event kicking off Idaho Gives, a week where Idahoans are encouraged to donate to their favorite nonprofits. 💛

With a fun-filled performance, I brought awareness to NOLA’s many initiatives - including our flagship program @everwildforestschool - each of which are aimed at expanding outdoor learning opportunities for kids everywhere. 🌱🤸☀️

Outdoor learning has been shown to improve academic, social-emotional, and physical and mental health outcomes in children when integrated into formal education. Unfortunately, schools are continuing to reduce experiential outdoor lessons in favor of indoor didactic teaching approaches (there are many complex reasons for this).

My organization aims to help teachers, school districts, families, and education leaders adopt science-backed learning practices that incorporate outdoor time into the school day. By doing this, we can improve student success while helping kids become more connected to nature and their communities.

I hope you’ll join me in this movement by donating to @outdoorlearningalliance today!

#idahogives #idahogives2025 #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance #outdoorlearning #getkidsoutside #experientialeducation #naturebasededucation #greenschoolyards #forestschooling #natureschool #nonprofit taken in Boise, Idaho by @theforestschooler

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a year ago

My baby is growing up, and I’m doing my best to move along with her. We’ve been through so many firsts together, but it’s hard not to notice the ever-increasing lasts. Happy Birthday my little Bean 🧡 by @theforestschooler

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2 years ago

Have a lovely day! 🌿

Citations:

Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why Is Nature Beneficial?: The Role of Connectedness to Nature. Environment and Behavior, 41(5), 607-643.

Schertz, K. E., & Berman, M. G. (2019). Understanding Nature and Its Cognitive Benefits. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 28(5), 496-502.

#MentalHealth #takeabreath #naturebreak #natureheals #nature #takeabreath #naturezen #naturalhealing #SelfCare #wellness #forestbathing #outdoortherapy #forestschool #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance by @theforestschooler

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2 years ago

Let it snow! ❄️
We finally had our first snow day at @everwildforestschool and it was such a blast!! With a little prep, you (and your kids!) can have a fun day of exploration and discovery no matter the chill 🥶

1) Thermal base layers of merino wool or rayon (including socks)
2) Layer with a long sleeve shirt and a fleece jacket, and sweat pants or fleece-lined pants (no denim!)
3) Finish with a waterproof jacket and pants
4) Don’t forget waterproof insulated boots, waterproof gloves, and a hat that covers the ears!

Check out these companies for awesome gear: @oakiwear @ellaswool @mknordika @bogsfootwear @rei

🧥 🧤🧦🧣🥾

Have fun out there!

#forestschool #natureschool #outdoorlearning #forestschoolideas #forestschooling #natureactivities #outdooreducation #homeschooling #placebasededucation #placebasedlearning #experientiallearning #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance @everwildforestschool @outdoorlearningalliance by @theforestschooler

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2 years ago