Learning at Little Explorers
Long term wishes for our children
- I love to play and explore
- I am confident to speak, listen and follow instructions or routines
- I can work with my friends and am confident to try new things
- I can put my coat on and recognise my belongings
- I can go to the toilet and wash my own hands
At Little Explorers, our planning is rooted in the Wanderlust ethos — a slower, more intentional way of teaching that places connection, wellbeing, and curiosity at the heart of early years education.
We understand that early years environments can sometimes feel loud, rushed, and overwhelming. When educators are constantly planning ahead and managing busy rooms, it can be difficult to remain present in the moment. Our approach gently shifts that rhythm.
Through nature-inspired experiences, thoughtful environments, and responsive teaching, we create space for both children and educators to feel calm, connected, and engaged in the learning process.
Rather than rigid, forward-heavy planning, we focus on observing children closely, responding to their interests, and allowing learning to unfold naturally. This helps educators move away from pressure and survival mode, and towards a more balanced and purposeful way of working.
Inspired by principles of hygge, nature connection, and nervous system safety, our classrooms are designed to feel warm, welcoming, and regulated. Because meaningful learning doesn’t begin with control or constant activity — it begins with how a space feels to the children and adults within it.
At Little Explorers, planning is not about doing more.
It is about slowing down, noticing more, and creating the conditions where children — and educators — can truly thrive.
Each week at Little Explorers we draw inspiration from the Wanderlust Curriculum, beginning with a simple seasonal theme such as butterflies, berries, or the changing world around us. These themes act as gentle invitations into learning, sparking curiosity and helping children connect with nature and their environment.
Our weekly planning page provides a collection of ideas to support this exploration. It includes indoor and outdoor activities, songs to learn together, storytelling inspiration, barefoot play experiences, wild water play, and mud kitchen opportunities. These ideas give educators a starting point — a hook that helps bring the theme to life.
From there, we allow the children’s interests, questions, and discoveries to guide the learning journey. Rather than following a rigid plan, we remain responsive and curious, supporting children as their ideas grow and take learning far beyond the original theme.
This approach keeps learning playful, meaningful, and deeply connected to the natural world.
If you would like to learn more about the Wanderlust Curriculum or access the planning ideas, please get in touch. We would be happy to share more.