Conflict in the Woods: Teaching Resolution and Empathy at Forest School
Introduction
Conflict is an inevitable part of life—and of play. In Forest School, disagreements can arise over resources, ideas, or simply differing personalities. But these moments aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities. In this episode, we (Wem and Lewis) explored how conflict in the woods can be a powerful teacher, fostering empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Why Conflict Happens in Forest School
The unstructured nature of Forest School encourages creativity and freedom, but it also creates situations where children must negotiate and compromise. Wem described how shared resources, like tools or materials, often lead to disagreements. “It’s a microcosm of the real world,” they explained.
Lewis added that conflicts can also stem from differences in play styles or group dynamics. “One child might want to build a den, while another wants to use the same space for a game,” he said.
The Educational Value of Conflict
Handled thoughtfully, conflict can teach invaluable lessons:
Communication Skills: Expressing needs and listening to others.
Empathy: Understanding different perspectives.
Problem-Solving: Finding creative solutions to disagreements.
Wem shared a story about a group of children who argued over who got to use a specific tool. By guiding them through a discussion about fairness and sharing, they turned the disagreement into a learning moment.
The Role of Educators in Conflict Resolution
Educators play a critical role in framing conflict as a positive experience. Wem emphasised the importance of staying calm and impartial, acting as a facilitator rather than a referee. “It’s not about solving the problem for them—it’s about helping them solve it themselves,” they said.
We also discussed techniques for de-escalating tension, such as using neutral language and validating everyone’s feelings.
Teaching Empathy Through Conflict
Conflict provides a natural opportunity to practise empathy. Lewis described how asking open-ended questions, like “How do you think they’re feeling right now?” encourages children to consider others’ perspectives.
Wem highlighted the importance of modelling empathy as an educator. “When children see you treating everyone with respect, they’re more likely to do the same,” they explained.
Practical Strategies for Managing Conflict in Forest School
Here are some tips for navigating disagreements in outdoor education:
Set Ground Rules: Establish expectations for behaviour and communication.
Pause and Reflect: Encourage participants to take a moment to calm down before addressing the issue.
Facilitate Discussions: Guide conversations to ensure everyone feels heard.
Focus on Solutions: Help children brainstorm ways to move forward together.
Learning From Mistakes
Sometimes, conflicts don’t resolve neatly, and that’s okay. Wem shared an example of a session where a disagreement lingered despite their best efforts. Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t helped them approach similar situations more effectively in the future.
Lewis added that children often learn from observing how adults handle mistakes, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and adaptability.
Conclusion
Conflict in Forest School isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. By guiding children through these moments with patience and empathy, we can equip them with the skills they need to navigate challenges in life.
Want to learn more? Tune in to the full episode for stories, strategies, and insights on conflict resolution in the woods.