Jan-2020
Learning Naturally
Learning Naturally through Wildlife Wonder
Wildlife Wonder sessions take many forms – children learning naturally, by exploring, observing and discovering the natural world around them. Here are few examples from the many hundred Wildlife Wonder days over the past ten years – all photographs taken by children and all in or near school grounds. The opportunities for nature-rich learning are infinite, exciting and essential.
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; And no one will care about what they haven’t experienced” Sir David Attenborough
Observe seasonal change – one tree or local habitat
Take a journey along Darwin’s Path – mindful time to notice, think, for well-being, or be a scientist.
Opportunities for children and grown-ups to extend their awareness of local habitats and animals. Wonder Days are planned to stimulate speaking and listening and to develop writing skills across the school. Head
Discover the Lost Words – enjoy a city-centre kingfisher, dandelions, conkers or a million-strong starling murmuration just beyond the playground
Identify, classify and make discoveries
Leaf literacy – colours, patterns, texture, sounds, creativity and change over time.
‘Thank you very much for the two days you spent with us. The staff and children thoroughly enjoyed working outside observing nature. Their creative artwork and writing was good and the staff are planning further opportunities to work outside, so for me it was a real success!’ Head
Explore natural wonder
I’ve just been looking at the children’s photos and, to be honest, I’m quite choked up! They are amazing, I’m so thrilled with them and proud of the children. Thank you! We’re going to attempt some fabric painting and perhaps some 3D fabric work and then, hopefully, create a large mural. I also want to use the photos for some reflective PSCHE work. Lots to do in a short space of time, but I’m abandoning other areas of the curriculum!! Yr6 Teacher
Wildlife Wonder beyond – local green spaces, after-school sessions, learning capital
Kingfisher Island is where Wildlife Wonder adventures begin! Year 2 pupil,
Natural drama – painting, performance, community and habitat links,
Wild creativity – dragons, umbrellas and autumnal butterflies.
Learning naturally, children engage with the natural world, observe detail, develop their creativity, explore language or scientific curiosity, experience new sounds or textures and discover so much about the natural environment around them.
In 2020 Wildlife Wonder is launching the Nature-Rich Learning project. More details here