Chantal Head explores the natural landscape of Kita Wonnhalde in Freiburg
In the heart of Freiburg, Germany, the Kita Wonnhalde stands as a beacon of innovative early childhood education. Alexander Seitz, the director of this unique nature park kindergarten, has been leading the way in sustainable pedagogy for years.
The Kita Wonnhalde is not just any ordinary kindergarten. Nestled within the South Black Forest Nature Park, it provides children with an immersive, nature-rich environment that fosters a direct connection with the world around them. This pioneering approach has been so influential that it even convinced Bundestag member Chantal Kopf to visit the kindergarten on Tuesday.
The Kita Wonnhalde is part of a network of outstanding Nature Park kindergartens in the South Black Forest, and its inclusion in the South Black Forest Nature Park program has been ongoing for three years. The projects at the Kita Wonnhalde are part of the "Education for Sustainable Development" concept, which emphasises learning in natural environments, physical and emotional development, community and social skills, and experiential and inquiry-based learning.
At the Kita Wonnhalde, children are not just passive observers. They actively participate in creating their own insect and plant shelters outdoors, promoting hands-on experiences and curiosity. The kindergarten's structures, such as ant hills, bee hotels, and upcycled climbing frames, are testament to this approach.
The interplay of nature pedagogy, biodiversity, and democratic learning is praised at the Kita Wonnhalde. The kindergarten's focus on early childhood education in a sustainable manner continues to be recognised, with even the Baden-Württemberg kindergarten orientation plan now including these sustainable education projects.
Roland Schoettle, the Nature Park manager, called for more federal financial support for this educational work. However, he did not specify the type or amount of financial support required.
Chantal Kopf, during her visit, emphasised the importance of early nature experiences. She noted that the Kita Wonnhalde is a shining example of how early childhood education can be effectively integrated with nature and sustainability.
The unique educational work at the Kita Wonnhalde is gaining recognition and support, making it one of 25 outstanding Nature Park kindergartens in the South Black Forest, and a total of 108 nationwide. If you wish to learn more about the Kita Wonnhalde, I recommend consulting Freiburg's official education or environmental websites or contacting the kindergarten directly.
- The Kita Wonnhalde, a nature park kindergarten in Freiburg, Germany, not only focuses on early childhood education but also encourages lifelong learning through its home-and-garden projects, such as creating insect and plant shelters, thereby promoting a lifestyle integrated with nature and sustainable practices.
- Beyond early childhood education, the Kita Wonnhalde also emphasizes education-and-self-development, with its projects aligned with the "Education for Sustainable Development" concept, which fosters learning in natural environments and encourages lifelong learning.
- The success of the Kita Wonnhalde in integrating nature, sustainability, and education has garnered attention, not only within the South Black Forest Nature Park but also on a national level, with the Baden-Württemberg kindergarten orientation plan now including similar sustainable education projects, reflecting a growing interest in gardening and lifelong learning.
