Hampshire House

What a Wonderful World - "See, Think, Wonder" at Hampshire House.

Delighting in the sheer wonder of life is integral to childhood. Every day at Hampshire House is an opportunity to explore something fresh and exciting, a new insect to discover, a new word to learn, a new problem to solve. 

Fostering a sense of wonder and inquiry is central to our Hampshire House Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are encouraged to immerse themselves in the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. In the hands of a child a butterfly opens a thousand questions to explore. Does a butterfly have ears? What is a chrysalis? Why is a moth different to a butterfly?

A puddle becomes an ocean to float a leaf on, a mirror to investigate and a river to jump over. A rainbow becomes a bridge to journey to a different land. Each an opportunity to wonder and share in the amazing world around us. Building on the “Hundred languages of children”, we delight in Loris Malaguzzi’s concept of children having a ‘hundred hands, hundred thoughts and hundred was of thinking, playing, speaking”. This reminds us of the unlimited potential of children to build their knowledge and creativity through wonder and curiosity.

Under the guidance of our Academic- in-Residence Professor Ron Ritchhardt our children have been embarking on a school wide culture of thinking. A powerful strategy within the Cultures of Thinking approach is “See, Think, Wonder”. This approach encourages our young children to slow down and engage deeply with the world around them. By asking our children to first ‘see’ carefully, then ‘think’ about what they notice, and finally ‘wonder’ with open-ended questions, this method nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and reflection. It invites our children to become active learners who observe closely, make thoughtful connections, and explore possibilities, creating a rich foundation for lifelong inquiry and a love of learning. 

From wondering at patterns in nature, exploring different foods or delighting in a butterfly, 

shadow or an entire world of wonder, captured in that one tiny bubble. Wonder is all around us, just waiting to be discovered.

Ms Simone Cooke 

Director Hampshire House