The Wildlings Way is an educational ethos that we are currently developing. Initially it was an organic seedling which we noticed was something self seeded, enjoying the conditions to thrive in a pocket of the woodland of our minds and hearts. So we watched and waited and eventually gave it a name. Because nature is at the core of our daily lives here with the children, which is so grounding - literally, for our nervous systems and capacity to process and learn, that we figured we needed to tend to this rather like we would a garden.

So what are the key elements of Wildlings that capture the heart and soul of what we do? Well we won’t be spelling it out for you just yet, because we are still in the process. So for now, here is the overview of the essence of what makes it so special here for the children:

There is much self-direction that takes place at Wildlings, through imaginative play, making choices and listening to one’s own needs in the moment. This is the core way that children and young people thrive; when they come back to their own personal and bodily sovereignty. And of course they therefore learn most effectively in these conditions too.

So, rather than trying to optimise ‘teaching’, we focus on optimising the wellbeing of each person small and big, so that we function better emotionally, physically and spiritually. From this wholistic viewpoint, learning naturally occurs and does not need to be ‘taught’ at prescribed times and in prescribed ways. Humans are already designed to be highly attuned to learning.

If learning is not occurring, one needs to look at the emotional and physical environment before one begins to make changes with a child. What is blocking their natural flow? Rather like a dam might block the flow of water, there will be an obstruction to the natural flow of interest, focus, inspiration and connection of a child or young person. The Wildlings Way seeks to ensure that natural flow remains in every child and young person, with joy and energy in abundance!

Wildlings was established in 2019 and since then, we have been growing and developing our educational ethos through the daily educational practice. We adults develop as the children develop; our educational ethos develops as we all develop; the children and young people are our greatest teachers in so many ways. And isn’t this a perfect example of the above, and the whole point of optimised learning!