The Magic of Storytelling at Forest School: Sparking Imagination, Connection, and Community

I love telling stories and as a team we have been reflecting recently on how they have become an integral part of our sessions, which children often request and look forward to.

Storytelling has long been a fundamental part of human culture, weaving together knowledge, imagination, and tradition. At Forest School, we’ve taken this timeless practice and transformed it into an immersive, sensory-rich experience that nurtures creativity, strengthens communication, and deepens children’s connection to nature.

Our journey into storytelling truly blossomed during lockdown.

As the world slowed down, we turned to YouTube Lives with Forest Schooled, Caylin Gans, Danny English from We Be Kids, and Chris Holland (Nature Connection) for inspiration. Their captivating stories transported us beyond our homes, reminding us that stories have the power to take us anywhere—even when we couldn’t physically explore the world.

This sparked something magical. As we practised storytelling, our confidence grew. We fell in love with the rhythm of spoken words, the power of a well-timed pause, and how a simple tale can ignite the imagination. Today, storytelling is at the heart of our Forest School sessions, bringing a sense of wonder, awe, and an affinity with the natural world.

The Storytelling Hat: A Symbol of Magic and Adventure

When Alicia or I don our special storytelling hat, the children know something exciting is about to happen. The hat isn’t just a prop—it’s a symbol that marks the beginning of an adventure. It’s a cue that it’s time to listen, imagine, and step into a new world.

As the storytelling unfolds, instruments often join in—a soft drumbeat to set the scene, chimes to signal magic, or shakers to build suspense. With the forest as the backdrop, every story feels alive. A hush falls over the group, eyes widen with anticipation, and the forest transforms into a stage where imagination can roam free.

Imagination: Transforming the Forest into a Storybook

The natural world is the perfect setting for storytelling. A fallen tree becomes a pirate ship, a circle of mushrooms turns into a fairy village, and the whispers of the wind carry ancient secrets.

At Forest School, children don’t just listen to stories—they become part of them. They act out characters, use natural props, and influence the story’s direction, making the experience interactive and unforgettable. In the process, they tap into their own creativity, shaping tales that come to life in the very spaces around them.

Nature: A Storyteller in Itself

Nature holds its own stories. The changing seasons, the tracks in the mud, and the songs of birds are all part of the narrative. At Forest School, we draw from these natural elements to inspire and enrich our stories. The call of an owl might spark a mystery, a rustle of leaves could announce the arrival of a mischievous spirit, and the patterns in a tree’s bark could hold the secrets of an ancient legend. By weaving nature into our stories, we help children connect deeply to the environment and see the world with fresh eyes—full of curiosity and wonder.

Community: Storytelling as a Shared Experience

Sitting together in a circle, warmed by a fire or shaded under a grand oak, storytelling at Forest School is about more than just the story—it’s about building community.

Through shared tales, we come together, connected by the power of imagination and the magic of storytelling. We pass stories around, letting each child contribute their own twist, build on someone else’s idea, and create something new together. This process fosters a sense of belonging, reminding us that stories, much like our friendships, are meant to be shared.

Final Thoughts: The Lasting Power of Storytelling

Storytelling at Forest School is more than entertainment—it’s about building confidence, fostering community, and deepening our connection to the natural world. Just as we found inspiration during lockdown from storytellers online, we know that stories will always bring us together—no matter where we are.

So, next time you see me or Alicia put on their storytelling hat, gather close, listen carefully, and prepare for an adventure. The forest has a story to tell—you just have to be ready to hear it.