Blog

The darker nights are here, the days are getting cooler and we're in the middle of a busy term with the children. You may be finding yourself feeling sad that 'summer's over' but I want to show you some simple ways you can feel hygge to de-stress this Autumn. 

The Danes are great at slowing down and finding the greatness that each season brings. 

1. Plant Tulips

Plant some tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs in a pot and daydream about the happiness and beauty they are going to bring to you early spring next year. I love flicking through the bulb catalogues each year and taking the time to look for unusual bulb types. Each spring i'm always filled with joy when I see my bulbs open up as i've often forgotten what i've planted and they are a wonderful surprise. Last year my favourites were the Tulipa 'Angélique' and I planted these in a spot by my front door for the whole family and visitors to admire!

Working in the soil will also make you feel happier too as scientists have ...

Setting up a seasonal space in your setting gives children the opportunity to connect with nature and deepen their understanding. Helping them also to be more present about the world around them and develop a love for nature. 

Where to set up the nature shelf?

The nature shelf doesn't need to take up a huge amount of space in your setting. I have seen it be successfully implemented on a small window sill. It could be on a table, inside an up turned crate, a shelf on the wall or an a shelving unit. 

I like to position it in an area that flows between inside and out that offers that natural connection with the outdoors. If you have families visiting the setting too with their children consider where would be a nice space for them to pause and talk about what they can see?

What can I put on my nature shelf?

I like to include a range of open ended materials that young children can connect with. I also invite children and their families to contribute to this when they make an excit...

Hygge in the Early Years At Pownall Hall School

In April 2019, I introduced the Hygge approach into my home and felt the benefits instantly. I was therefore keen to introduce it into our nursery setting.

Hygge is about sharing and enjoying small moments together, every day. It is about slowing down, being together and building relationships.

At Pownall Hall School Nursery we believe in all the benefits that a Hygge environment brings. We have used the Hygge approach to create a Nursery environment that captures the feeling of cosiness, warmth and togetherness for all who enter into it.

Our Nursery is a calm space filled with cosy nooks, soft lights, warm textures and interesting objects to encourage curiosity and discussion. We bring nature inside and connect with nature outside daily.

We believe that wellbeing is key to our provision and our children are comfortable to have fun, explore or just snuggle down when they want to. Children should experience happiness and other emoti...