How does Nature influence or offer a backdrop to learning?

Nature offers a rich, dynamic backdrop to learning in ways that simply can’t be replicated indoors. It stimulates all the senses, providing endless opportunities for children to observe, question, and engage with the world around them. The natural world has this wonderful ability to inspire a sense of wonder, whether it’s the changing light through the trees, the sound of birds, or the texture of leaves and soil.

In nature, learning becomes experiential. It’s no longer abstract—it’s hands-on, immediate, and connected to something real. Nature gives children a tangible context for what they’re exploring, whether they’re working on science, art, or simply observing patterns in the environment. Being outside also offers a sense of freedom and calm, allowing children to tune into their surroundings and engage in learning at their own pace.

There’s also a rhythm in nature that fosters reflection and patience. It reminds children (and adults too!) that growth, both personal and intellectual, doesn’t have to be rushed. It can unfold naturally, just as seasons do.

How do children respond to no grading?

Children respond to the absence of grading in surprisingly positive ways. Without the pressure of grades, they feel more free to take creative risks, to explore, and to dive into what truly interests them, rather than focusing on meeting someone else’s expectations. Instead of worrying about whether their work is "good enough," they can focus on enjoying the process of learning.

I’ve seen children who are initially unsure, sometimes even expecting some form of evaluation, gradually settle into a more relaxed, confident version of themselves. They become more invested in what they’re doing for the sake of the learning itself. Without the fear of "getting it wrong," their natural curiosity flourishes.

What role does journaling play in PBL?

Journaling in Project-Based Learning (PBL) plays a crucial role in capturing a child’s personal learning journey. It serves as a reflective tool, allowing children to document their thoughts, discoveries, and progress over time. Unlike traditional note-taking or worksheets, journaling in PBL is much more open-ended and creative. Each child can express themselves in a way that feels right to them—through sketches, written reflections, diagrams, or even collected objects like leaves or pressed flowers from their explorations.

It helps children make sense of their experiences by encouraging them to pause and reflect on what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, or what they might want to explore next. This makes learning more meaningful and personal. Journaling also provides an ongoing narrative of their projects, allowing them to revisit earlier ideas and see how their thinking has evolved.

The beauty of PBL journaling is that there are no right or wrong ways to do it, which fits perfectly with the philosophy of child-led, ungraded learning. It’s not about producing a polished final product—it’s about giving children a space to express their creative process and deepen their engagement with the world around them.

How does PBL influence social interactions?

Project-Based Learning (PBL) has a unique way of fostering social interactions because it naturally encourages collaboration, communication, and teamwork in an organic way. Unlike more structured classroom settings where social interaction might be limited to formal group activities, PBL creates a fluid space for children to engage with each other based on shared interests or goals. Here’s how PBL can influence social interactions:

1. Collaborative learning: In PBL, children often work together on projects, whether it's brainstorming ideas, solving problems, or creating something tangible. This requires them to communicate their thoughts, listen to others, and negotiate decisions. It builds cooperation rather than competition.

2. Shared interests: When children are working on projects that truly interest them, they are more likely to engage deeply with others who share the same enthusiasm. This creates a sense of community where they bond over shared passions, whether they're creating art, exploring nature, or working on a science project.

3. Peer mentoring: In a PBL setting, children with different strengths can support each other. Someone who is skilled in a particular area can naturally step into a mentoring role, helping others understand concepts or work through challenges. This type of peer support fosters positive social interactions and encourages a sense of responsibility for each other.

4. Flexible interaction: Because PBL respects individual learning styles, children can choose when and how to engage socially. Some may prefer working solo and then sharing their progress, while others might thrive in small groups. This flexibility allows children to find the social balance that works best for them, reducing pressure and allowing for authentic relationships to form.

5. Empathy and communication: As children navigate their projects, they learn to appreciate different perspectives and work styles. By collaborating with peers, they develop empathy, patience, and better communication skills—qualities that are essential not only for learning but for life beyond the learning space.

Ultimately, PBL creates a social environment that is cooperative and responsive to the needs of each child, allowing them to connect with others in meaningful, supportive ways.

How do Wildlings Facilitators & Tutors approach PBL sessions?

Our approach to Project-Based Learning is deeply rooted in respect for each child’s individual learning style, creativity, and pace. They bring a warm, empathetic, and adaptive presence to every session, ensuring that each child feels seen, heard, and valued. Here’s how our facilitators structure and guide PBL sessions:

• Child-led exploration: Our facilitators believe that the most powerful learning happens when children are following their own interests. Rather than setting strict, one-size-fits-all lessons, they create an open environment where the child takes the lead in choosing the direction of their project. Whether they want to study nature, express themselves through art, or write stories, our facilitators guide them in ways that expand and deepen their exploration without taking away their ownership of the work.

• Holistic support: With experience in working with children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN), our facilitators adapt their approach to meet the emotional, social, and academic needs of each child. This means they are highly attuned to what each child needs to feel safe, whether it’s a quieter space, sensory breaks, or a different way of engaging with the material. They focus on the whole child, ensuring that well-being is at the heart of each session.

• Creating space for flow: One of our facilitators’ key strengths is allowing children to work in their own rhythm, tuning into what engages them the most. They give children the freedom to work at their own pace, encouraging them to find that state of flow where learning feels natural and exciting. Whether children need to move around, take breaks, or change their approach midway, they support them without imposing a rigid structure.

• Hands-on learning: PBL sessions are highly experiential. Facilitators encourage children to learn through doing, whether that’s exploring nature, crafting with their hands, or experimenting with different materials. This approach ensures that learning is grounded in real-world experiences, making it more meaningful and memorable for the children.

• Reflection and journaling: Journaling is integrated into the PBL process, helping children reflect on their learning journey. Facilitators encourage them to document their projects, write about their thoughts, and track their progress in personal and creative ways. This process not only strengthens understanding but also gives them a tangible record of their growth, which they can look back on with pride.

• Supportive, non-judgmental environment: Above all, our facilitators create a space where there is no fear of failure, no grading, and no pressure to meet external standards. They offer gentle guidance, encouraging children to experiment and take risks in their learning. This non-judgmental approach helps children build confidence and develop a true love of learning, free from the constraints of traditional academic pressures.

Our facilitators’ style is all about empowerment, giving children the tools, freedom, and support they need to thrive in their own unique ways.