Wanderlust nature study via ‘Hygge in the early years’

After completing our Hygge in the early year’s accreditation we have continued our journey and started the Wanderlust nature study. The study is a 52-week programme built around the daily rhythm and seasons throughout the year. The study helps children and practitioners create a deeper connection with nature. 

So what is Nature Study?

It's a 52-week programme looking at how we can connect with nature each and every day. Developing our own understanding as educators and also that of the children's. Organised around the natural rhythm of the seasons it offers opportunities to learn about wildlife, natural phenomena and the natural world around us. 

Offering ideas of ways to set up and support learning (on a budget as nature is free!!), songs to sing and sensory learning experiences. 

Drawing on the approaches to Early Education in Scandinavia, Canada and Australia and offering a range of ideas in practice too!

Why is this approach needed?

With excessive screen time and many children (and adults!) spending increasing time indoors, we are now known as the indoor generation. 

Let’s take action and move away from this. Empowering our children to learn about the world first-hand and make their own informed decisions around sustainable living. Which in turn will enthuse them about being adventurers, explorers and scientists. 

Themes

We will explore how learning happens and goes with the flow and natural rhythm of the day and the child's interest. You will be able to download fact sheets and provision or read these in our full-colour guides included in your purchase.

Weekly themes include;
Winter trees
Hibernation
Snowflakes
Decorations
Mountains
Robins
Moss
Ice
Northern Lights
Mud
Rocks
Worms

We have purchased this nature study through some EYPP money and feel it will benefit all the children in our settings. We hope to share the experiences with you as families via ideas on tapestry and also by hosting family events at the nursery. We have already enjoyed our first family event making bird feeders together in February. 

We have so far explored Robins, Ice, Northern lights, Moss, Mud and rocks and as a whole team is thoroughly enjoying the study, learning and exploring lots of new things….