"Scenting the Soap" – Lessons from Rory Sutherland’s Alchemy for Forest School Leaders
If you’ve been listening to the Forest School Podcast for a while, you’ll know we love diving into big ideas and seeing how they fit into the Forest School world. This week, it’s just me (Lewis), as Wem is focusing on her health. While it’s not quite the same without her, I’ve taken the opportunity to share some thoughts sparked by reading Rory Sutherland’s Alchemy. If you haven’t come across it, it’s a fascinating book about challenging conventional thinking and embracing the unexpected. Here’s how some of those ideas resonated with me, particularly in the context of Forest School.
1. Creative Chaos: Why the Unexpected is a Gift
One of the central ideas from Alchemy is about moving away from logic as a preemptive tool and instead embracing experimentation. This really struck me as applicable to Forest School. Traditional education often relies on meticulously planned lessons with predictable outcomes. But as Forest School leaders, we know nature doesn’t follow a script.
Think about the last time the weather threw you a curveball. Maybe you planned a firelighting session, only for the rain to pour down. That’s the moment where Forest School thrives—not despite the chaos, but because of it. Rain can become a catalyst for creativity, like building shelters, discovering worms, or simply splashing in puddles.
This "creative chaos" encourages kids to adapt and think on their feet. Instead of feeling disappointed when plans don’t go as expected, we can use those moments to foster resilience and problem-solving skills. In many ways, the unpredictability of nature mirrors life, teaching children how to respond when things don’t go according to plan. That’s a lesson far more valuable than sticking rigidly to a timetable.
Practical takeaway: Build flexibility into your sessions. Start with a loose framework, but be ready to follow the children’s lead or adapt to the environment. Unexpected changes often bring the most memorable learning moments.
2. Intuition Over Rules: Building Heuristics in Kids
Another concept that stood out to me was the idea of heuristics—essentially, practical shortcuts for decision-making. In traditional classrooms, children are often taught rigid rules: "If X happens, then Y must follow." While that might work in predictable environments, life isn’t always that simple.
Forest School, by contrast, encourages children to develop their own judgment. Imagine a child deciding whether a tree branch is safe to climb. Instead of following a strict rule like "Don’t climb above two metres," they learn to assess the tree themselves. Is the branch strong enough? Is the bark slippery? Is the ground below safe to fall on?
This kind of learning builds confidence and critical thinking. It’s not just about climbing trees; it’s about navigating uncertainty and making informed choices—skills they’ll carry into adulthood.
Practical takeaway: Instead of enforcing blanket rules, create opportunities for children to assess risks and make their own decisions. This builds independence and trust in their abilities.
3. The Environment as a Co-Teacher
One of the unique things about Forest School is that the environment itself becomes a participant. Nature constantly presents opportunities for learning—a windy day, a fallen tree, or an unusual insect. These moments are impossible to replicate in a classroom.
In Alchemy, Sutherland talks about "illogical" things that work, even if we don’t fully understand why. The natural environment is full of these moments. For example, children often become more collaborative and creative on blustery days. Why? Maybe it’s the energy of the wind, or maybe it’s just that they’re responding to something bigger than themselves. Whatever the reason, it works.
Practical takeaway: See the environment as your partner, not just your setting. Observe how nature influences behaviour and use those insights to shape your sessions.
4. Placebos and Small Details: The Power of Comfort
One of my favourite parts of the book is about placebos. Sutherland explains how small, seemingly insignificant details can have a big impact. For example, adding scent to soap made people more likely to use it—even though the scent had no effect on its cleaning power.
At Forest School, we see this with the little things: blankets on benches, a welcoming fire, or group songs. These aren’t just extras; they create an emotional connection to the space. A child might not consciously think, "This blanket makes me feel safe," but those subtle cues create a sense of calm and belonging.
Practical takeaway: Pay attention to the small details in your setup. Think about how the environment feels, not just how it functions. These tiny touches can make a huge difference in how participants engage.
5. Scenting the Soap: Rituals and Woo Matter
This brings me to one of the most important insights: the idea of "scenting the soap." Sutherland explains that sometimes, the "extra" stuff—the packaging, the rituals, the woo—is what makes something memorable.
In Forest School, the scent is in the songs, the seasonal storytelling, and the little rituals that make each session unique. For example, we might tell a Celtic story around the fire or mark the changing seasons with special activities. These traditions create a sense of magic and wonder. It’s not just about being outside; it’s about building a connection to something bigger than ourselves.
Practical takeaway: Lean into your rituals and traditions. These are the elements that make your Forest School unique and create lasting memories for participants.
6. The Value of Long-Term Relationships
Finally, I’ve been thinking about how Forest School’s long-term approach fosters trust and understanding. In mainstream education, relationships are often limited to a single school year. But in Forest School, we build connections over months and years.
This longevity creates a depth of understanding that’s hard to achieve in shorter timeframes. For me, long-term relationships mean seeing children grow and adapt over time, not just in their skills but in their confidence and sense of self.
Practical takeaway: If possible, structure your programmes to allow for long-term engagement. This benefits both the children and the leaders, creating a stronger, more cohesive community.
Final Thoughts: Scent Your Soap
Reading Alchemy has reinforced for me how much of what we do at Forest School defies traditional logic—and that’s a good thing. From embracing creative chaos to trusting the "woo," we’re creating experiences that stick.
So, here’s my challenge for you: What’s the "scent" of your Forest School? How do you create magic through the unexpected, the small details, and the rituals that make your sessions unique?
Tune into this week’s episode for a deeper dive into these ideas, and let us know your thoughts. As always, stay wonky, stay curious, and keep embracing the chaos!
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