Diddydots creates a forest school feeling by following the Wanderlust Approach, which allows flexibility and freedom for the child initiated learning. Learning is not about the end result but about the process. Children will undertake tasks that challenge themselves, risk assess their own play to develop awareness of keeping themselves safe. Our outdoor environment allows this without putting the child at undue risk or harm.  Exploratory adventures uses all the child’s senses which is fundamental for encouraging imaginative play, creative development, equality and diversity, ability to work with others and build the foundations for language, literacy, mathematics and knowledge and understanding from around the world.

COGNATIVE DEVELOPMENT Cognitive development within the first four years of life sets us up to become active learners throughout our academic years and future life. Cognitive development needs MOVEMENT to wire the brain. This enables the child to competently learn their next stages of development.

​

                                               

                               “Wanderlust and what it means at Diddydots”

​​

This generally refers to an approach that encourages children to explore, be curious, take risks, discover the world around them, and develop a sense of adventure.

The key idea is “learning through exploring and experiencing”, rather than children simply being taught information and for Diddydots, it sits beautifully alongside our Curiosity Approach®, Hygge and EYFS ethos.

​

Rather than being a rigid programme, we think of Wanderlust as a mindset:

“Where curiosity leads, adventure follows.”

It is about giving children the freedom and confidence to wonder, wander, explore and discover.

At Diddydots, this could look like:

•  Wandering outdoors – exploring the garden, woodland and local environment.

•  Following curiosity – noticing a bug, puddle, leaf or bird and allowing that discovery to lead the learning.

•  Natural resources – using sticks, stones, mud, leaves, shells and other open-ended materials.

•  Appropriate risk and challenge – climbing, balancing, jumping, carrying and trying things for themselves.

•  Child-led learning – adults observe, listen and extend rather than constantly directing.

•  Adventure and exploration – going beyond the familiar and discovering what is around us.

•  Confidence and independence – encouraging children to make decisions, solve problems and have a go.

•  Understanding the world – developing a genuine connection with nature, community and the wider world.

                    The really important bit

                                Wanderlust isn't simply “taking children outside.”

                             It is about creating an environment where children feel:

            “I wonder…” → “I want to find out…” → “I can have a go…” → “I discovered something!”

 

That fits particularly well with our Diddydots ethos of curiosity rather than adult-directed activities.

 We describe the Diddydots approach as:

                                        Curiosity gives us the question.
                                        Wanderlust gives us the adventure.
                                        Hygge gives us the feeling of belonging.
                                        and the EYFS gives us the foundations for learning.

​