Leśne przedszkola jako sposób przeciwdziałania zespołowi deficytu natury

Abstract

This article refers to the issue of the crisis in the human–nature relationship. Referring to the findings of other authors’ research, it reveals the dangers of alienating the human being from the environment, as well as the positive results of the human being’s contact with nature. It proves there is a need for implementing environmental training as early as in preschool education. The article puts forward the idea and functioning of forest kindergartens in Poland. The empirical material which inspired the reflections presented therein has been gathered during a study visit to “Puszczyk” forest kindergarten in Białystok. The visit included a participant observation and some interviews with a teacher who works with children. In the article, there is also a reference to the survey on the respondents’ opinion on the idea of forest kindergartens.