A Hygge Learning Space

The popular Danish term “Hygge” which features in the Oxford dictionary is described as ‘ Esp. with reference to Danish culture: a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; contentment from simple pleasures, such as warmth, food, friends, etc.’

With the Scandinavian countries of Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland consistently holding the top places for being the World’s Happiest Countries it’s no wonder we’ve all been wondering how we can have our own piece of hygge.

The popular trend has seen us adding fairy lights to our living room in a hope that it would make us all feel a bit more joy!....but maybe it’s failed to make you any happier.

This is because hygge is so much more than adding a string of twinkly lights. It’s about creating an environment where those within it feel connected, settled and at peace.

In order to create those feelings of contentment we can explore some changes to our spaces. We might add the flickering glow from a wax candle as a centre piece on our dining table that can act as a focal point to gather around and share a meal. The candle light not only invites others to come together but also acts as a reminder that we don’t need to rush off and to linger after we’ve eaten. Perhaps we may bring in a softness to our spaces by adding a woollen rug or a cosy throw to snuggle up in and share a story. We may add aspects of nature to a shelf that we’ve gathered on a hike that provoke memories of a good time we had with friends. Or how about throwing back the curtains and letting the room bath in as much natural light as possible in order to be connected to the outdoors.

For me, when I think of Hygge it should be interwoven with my why. For instance, if I add a vase of roses to my table it’s because it reminds me of summers in the garden with my grandmother. The elements I’m adding to my environment evoke feelings of joy.

Perhaps as an educator you’ve heard the word hygge applied to Early Childhood Education. If you try asking AI it will tell you to try adding a few fairy lights, putting in some potted plants and bring in some throws and cushions.

What AI fails to mention is that It isn’t just about the way the environment looks. When you walk into a hygge inspired setting you just feel it.

• You’re greeted with a smile and the children have a good sense of belonging.
• The children are working with real and simple materials in an uncluttered environment.
• The adults interactions are warm, interested and working alongside the child.
• Nature and the outdoors is intertwined with all aspects of the daily rhythm.
• The whole child is celebrated.
• The educators who work here understand and model that ‘slowing down’ doesn’t mean that Maths and Phonics are compromised.
• The learning areas here have cosy spaces that foster connection and communication.

As educators when we embrace hygge we are making space in our days for the child to be at the heart of it. With slow daily rhythms and calm learning spaces. Environments that are free from clutter which in turn allow children to see and self-select the materials they need to play out their own ideas.  Without feeling overwhelmed and distracted by the notion of “too much”.

Hygge is about giving thought to the available materials we have out in our spaces every day that support independence and open ended play. For example a collection of wooden blocks can be used in a multitude of ways to become a shop for role play, a castle for story telling or the sides of a den frame to share a story inside.

A hygge space others little nooks and corners to daydream in or just ponder without children being rushed onto the next thing. Maybe this is a spot to sit and watch the bees visiting the flowers in the nursery garden or explore story telling with a basket of finger puppets.

Thought in a hygge setting has been given to making opportunities to come together as a group and interact. Swapping out the rectangular table for a child sized circular table that increases interactions and collaborations.

Our lives are getting faster and we’re expecting young children to go at our speed. When we embrace hygge and slow down we make space for what really matters: holding on the unrushed child.

For more information on bringing more hygge to your life and teaching join me over on the Hygge in the Early Years Training here