Hygge in Reception Case Study

I read a book called ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ by Meik Wiking and was intrigued by the
meaning of hygge. I researched the internet and came across your website. I felt excited
about a different way to approach teaching reception children. I talked to my head teacher
and my colleagues about my ideas and feelings. As I changed the classroom, I had a new
energy for teaching. I felt motivated rather than overwhelmed.

I often smile when people come in to the classroom and mention how calm and cosy it feels.
I am proud of how my classroom enables children to learn in an unrushed, nurturing way. I
used to make the provocations for the children to use but now I include them in the process.
When a child came in with some feathers to add to a provocation, it dawned on me that it is
their learning experience, a journey through their imaginary world and I should include them
in the process.

At times, managing behavioural issues in the class has been challenging. However, I believe
the calm environment I have created plays a crucial role in supporting children through
difficult periods in their lives. It offers them a glimpse of what a nurturing and peaceful space
can look like, especially when their home life may lack that stability. Through this course, I
recognise that I need to remember my own wellbeing. When I have had a challenging day, I
turn to nature and try observe wildlife around me. At the end of the school day, I will take
time to make a cup of tea and sit down and reflect on the positives of the day.

Before working through this course, I always felt under pressure to fit as much as I could into
the school day. I’m not a confident person and I often felt I had failed because I could not fit
everything in. I now embrace slow learning and I believe I know the children better and they
know me better. I love being invited to a party in the mud kitchen or go on an imaginary
camping trip. Having long periods of continuous provision has significantly enhanced the
children’s imagination. It allows them the time and space to fully immerse themselves in their
play and develop deeper, more creative ideas.

Completing this course has given me the confidence to feel that I am on the right track. It has
also impacted my home life. I have taken up gardening to promote my wellbeing. Spending
time outdoors has had a clear positive impact on me. I now enjoy gardening with the children
at school, which has become a meaningful part of our routine. Hopefully, I’ve sparked their
curiosity and encouraged a deeper connection with the natural world.

I want the children to look back on their time in Reception as a happy, nurturing experience.
It’s important to me that they have felt valued, safe, and supported and remember reception
fondly. I hope the skills that they have developed like curiosity, resilience, and cooperation
will stay with them as they get older. They have started building the skills for a positive life
ahead of them.