About roots forest school
Staying true to its motto, “Nurturing a Wiser Generation,” Roots Forest School is India’s first-ever forest school experience that beautifully merges the classic Forest School Education (FSE) pedagogy with the founder Pooja Hemdev Lalwani’s philosophy. Pooja envisions Roots Forest School as a place where children not only become stewards and protectors of our natural heritage but also develop a profound sense of respect and belonging to nature. The immersive outdoor learning experiences foster personal growth, empowering students to become well-rounded individuals.
Incorporating the principles of Scandinavian Forest Schools, Roots Forest School also draws inspiration from leading child-centered educational philosophies such as the Waldorf system by Rudolf Steiner, Montessori thinking by Maria Montessori. Additionally, Pooja takes cues from the Outward Bound philosophy of Kurt Hahn, seamlessly integrating his nature-based educational theories into the curriculum. This holistic, nature-infused program is tailored to India’s unique ecosystems, making it a truly unique and immersive experience for children.
Through the unique Roots Forest School approach, children will gain high levels of self-confidence, empathy, compassion, and creativity, all while building a deep connection with nature. Pooja's goal is to harness the power of nature-based learning, creating future citizens who shine in their brilliance and contribute positively to society.
WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL EDUCATION?
Forest School Education (FSE) is an educational approach that has existed worldwide since the 1950s. Originally developed in Denmark, the primary goal of Forest School Education is to provide children with regular and repeated access to natural spaces. Its' ethos of therapeutic learning focuses on maximizing social, emotional, and developmental potential.
Forest School practitioners encourage kids to manage risk in the outdoors, gain independence by guiding their own learning and staying active through engaging outdoor experiences for children. To enable this, FSE follows a largely emergent, student-led, and play-based approach in its offerings, with direct exposure to nature taking center stage.
Within this context, a Forest School Leader assesses each child’s interests and learning styles, engaging accordingly to facilitate their full learning ability. Outside the confines of four walls, free from the distractions of electronic devices and excessive supervision, children can move, explore, and discover at their own pace, fostering meaningful connections to the natural world.
About our Forest School Leader
Pooja Hemdev Lalwani is born and brought up in Mumbai, where she is a proud mother to 1 human and 2 canines. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and a Master's degree in International Marketing from Scotland. Growing up in a family of wildlife enthusiasts, her childhood was filled with countless moments and experiences in the wild, fostering her deep connection to nature.
After successfully handling complex roles in various corporate organizations, Pooja made the bold decision to leave behind a lucrative career to pursue her true passion for nature. In 2015, she founded Roots Nature Club, a stepping stone toward her dream of nurturing a wiser generation. Her passion for the planet’s magic led her to pursue a course in Leadership in Biodiversity Conservation in Mumbai, which solidified her commitment to conservation.
A key milestone in Pooja’s journey was earning her International Accreditation as a Level 3 Forest School Leader from the Forest Schools Association, UK. She is proud to be amongst the first in India to hold such an esteemed certification. This accreditation is central to her vision for Roots Forest School, ensuring that the pedagogy is rooted in proven, internationally recognized methods that prioritize experiential outdoor learning.
Pooja's deep commitment to conservation and wildlife protection is evident in her work. She has been working closely with conservationists, wildlife experts, and local communities, frequently visiting forests across India. Her networks extend to forest guards, guides, farmers, tribal communities, naturalists, and professionals in the wildlife tourism industry of India, all contributing to her work in conservation and environmental education.
Pooja is also passionate about sharing her knowledge. She regularly conducts engaging workshops and seminars to educate youth about nature, sustainability, and conservation, leading these initiatives personally.
She authored her first book, “The Common Birds of Mumbai - Not Just a Field Guide,” with the goal of sparking curiosity and compassion for nature among urban children and adults alike. Pooja also writes a monthly wildlife gazette, “WildScribe,” which offers enlightening insights on topics relevant to each season, designed to help urban dwellers reconnect with local flora and fauna.
Why Forest School Matters Now More Than Ever
At Roots, we believe that Forest School programs are more vital than ever before. Research reveals the profound benefits of outdoor learning—from heightened attention spans to a significant reduction in anxiety. Yet, we take it a step further: children in our programs experience an 80% boost in confidence and a 65% surge in creativity.
Through meaningful connections with nature, they cultivate problem-solving skills, learn the power of collaboration, and face challenges with joyful resilience.
Join us in nurturing a generation of curious, capable, and compassionate young explorers. With every adventure, we’re shaping a brighter, greener future—one lesson at a time.
Upcoming Capsules
How to Enroll Your Child at Roots Forest School
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Fill the Enquiry Form: Submit the form to join our mailing list for exclusive updates on new capsules.
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Discovery Call: Receive a link for a discovery call when a new capsule opens. This call is part of our shortlisting process.
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Registration: Once you receive a registration invite after the call, complete the registration formalities in a timely manner.
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Payment: Make the payment to secure your spot.
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Confirmation: Once completed, you'll get a confirmation email with details.
FAQs
1. Is Roots Forest School a physical school?
No, Roots Forest School is not a physical school. It is a unique educational program focused on outdoor, nature-based learning. It complements formal schooling by offering experiential learning that supports holistic child development.
2. Can Roots Forest School replace a traditional classroom education?
Our programs run on weekends and are designed to supplement—not replace—conventional education. Children build essential life skills such as problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and emotional awareness while deepening their connection to nature.
3. What is a typical day like at Roots Forest School?
A typical day at RFS is child-led, dynamic, and rooted in nature. Sessions revolve around a central theme tailored to children's developmental needs. While facilitators plan experiences based on Forest School principles, the learning process is guided by the children's curiosity—encouraging exploration, creativity, and self-discovery.
4. How is safety managed during outdoor activities?
Safety is our top priority. All sessions are spearheaded by our founder and certified Forest School Leader, Pooja Hemdev Lalwani, who holds a Level 3 certification (the highest level of certification there is.) This prestigious certification is crucial in ensuring that our program meets international standards for outdoor education. It equips Pooja with the knowledge and skills to create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for our children. We follow strict safety protocols, risk assessments, and use age-appropriate activities and tools to ensure the kids’ safety and security.
5. What are the benefits of a Forest School program?
Roots Forest School (RFS) benefits children by fostering a dynamic and personalized learning environment where they are empowered to lead their own developmental journeys. The emergent nature of the curriculum ensures every day is unique, encouraging children to explore their individual strengths and areas for growth. Through free play, children develop independence, creativity, and social skills while engaging in activities that ignite their imaginations. Facilitators provide supportive guidance, respecting the unique attributes of each child. Children benefit from personalized, play-based learning that fosters independence, creativity, and emotional resilience. The emergent curriculum adapts to each child’s interests, helping them build confidence through exploration and calculated risk-taking. RFS helps children grow into thoughtful, curious, and capable individuals—connected deeply to themselves, their peers, and the natural world.
6. What age group is the Roots Forest School Program suitable for?
Roots Forest School offers programs for children aged 3.5 years upto 16 years. Each capsule is tailored to suit the developmental needs and interests of the specific age group, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience.
7. what is the duration of each capsule?
Capsules generally include 3 to 5 sessions, depending on the theme and structure. Each capsule is designed to complete a full curriculum, with the total contact time ranging from 8 to 15 hours.
8.How is the Roots Forest School Program different from other outdoor programs?
Roots Forest School (RFS) stands apart with its child-centered approach rooted in the globally recognized Forest School philosophy, emphasizing holistic growth through long-term, nature-based learning. Led by a Level 3-certified Forest School Leader, our unique offering blends Montessori, Waldorf, and Kurt Hahn’s Outward Bound principles—fostering creativity, resilience, and personal discovery in a nurturing outdoor environment.