Good pedagogical practices. The forest as a space for element adapting students with moderate intellectual disabilities for work

Abstract

Work is an essential element of an adult’s life. It can satisfy not only material needs but also social, cultural, and personal development needs. For people with disabilities, it additionally plays a rehabilitative and motivational role in undertaking actions and activities for society. The example of the Educational Center in Niemieńsko illustrates the preparation of students with moderate intellectual disabilities for work in the forest. Thanks to the personal involvement of teachers and the forestry authority, a unique project was developed. The youth not only had the opportunity to directly acquaint themselves with the benefits of the forest but also to care for its protection and condition. Students performed useful forestry work, such as planting trees, documenting and cleaning nesting boxes, repairing fences, painting forest infrastructure, preparing animal feed, and feeding animals during the cold winter. The study tested the children’s knowledge of forest animals and plants, nature protection, forest care, and forestry utility work. This text discusses a part of the research concerning knowledge of the utility of physical work performed in the forest. Forest-assisted practices for youth also had a positive emotional value. All students enjoyed staying and working in the forest. With the closure of the Educational Center in Niemieńsko, the intership preparing for work were concluded. Students began education in other centers, where different vocational impacts are implemented, or completely finished their education.