Why We Include Wildlife in Our Curriculum - Why Every Early Years Setting Should Too

At Happy Feet, we believe that learning doesn’t just happen indoors. Children make some of their biggest discoveries outside, exploring the world around them. Wildlife isn’t an “extra” it’s woven into our everyday learning.

Below is why we do it, the benefits, and the direct EYFS links, clearly structured.

1. Wildlife Sparks Curiosity and Real Understanding

Children learn best through meaningful exploration. Wildlife gives them real reasons to ask questions, investigate, and follow their interests.

For example, if a child spots an insect or bird, we stop to talk about its habitat, how many they can see, and what it might eat or drink.

Direct EYFS Links:

• Communication & Language: Engaging in conversations, learning new vocabulary.

• Understanding the World: Exploring the natural world.

2. It Builds Empathy, Care, and Responsibility

Children learn to care for living things through hands-on experiences.

At Happy Feet, this includes going on walks to feed ducks, nurturing butterflies, and building their own terrarium.

Direct EYFS Link:

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED): Developing responsibility for nurturing and taking care of animals and people.

3. Wildlife Supports Emotional Regulation & Wellbeing

Nature naturally calms children. Watching wildlife encourages focus, grounding, and mindfulness.

For example, watching bees on flowers encourages slow, focused attention, and being outside offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Direct EYFS Links:

• PSED: Managing emotions, developing resilience.

• Physical Development: Confident movement outdoors; building strength and coordination through natural exploration.

4. Wildlife Makes Learning Meaningful Across All Areas

Wildlife strengthens every area of learning:

• Maths: Counting birds, comparing leaf sizes, sorting natural objects by shape.

• Literacy: Creating stories about a ladybird they found; drawing the life cycle of a butterfly.

• Expressive Arts & Design: Nature collages using leaves, petals, and twigs; sketching insects.

5. It Encourages Environmental Responsibility

Children learn early that their actions help the planet.

Daily visits to the park and feeding birds help them understand how they can support wildlife, especially in certain weather conditions. We also use natural and recycled materials to promote sustainability.

Direct EYFS Links:

• Understanding the World: developing an awareness of how to care for the natural environment and living things.

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development: building a sense of responsibility.

• Expressive Arts & Design: using natural and recycled materials in creative ways, promoting imagination and respect for resources.