WILD HEARTS Environmental Education Program

Where Curiosity Meets Conservation.

WILD HEARTS bridges the gap in preschool environmental education with 30 free lesson plans and 45 free additional activities designed to inspire young learners to become passionate conservationists. Accessible online, our program equips educators and communities with engaging tools to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2023

Established

2.7K

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Students early

Updated

August 2024

WILD HEARTS aims to foster empathy and connection to nature in children, while also instilling these values in the adults guiding them. By providing high-quality, accessible resources, we ensure that both children and their mentors can actively contribute to a sustainable, harmonious relationship with the natural world.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

WILD HEARTS was created in response to the growing disconnect between young children and the natural world. Many children are lacking compassion, empathy and understanding for the insects, creatures, and plant life around them. By exposing them to activities and lessons themed around nature, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and a natural appreciation for the environment.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

In practice, WILD HEARTS consists of 30 lessons centered around International Environmental Days, with 45 additional activities to enhance these themes. Aimed at children aged 3 to 9, the program is free. Schools receive PDF versions of the lesson plans and activities, along with teacher training—either online or in-person, depending on proximity to Cape Town, South Africa. Teacher training and capacitation are key, and we provide ongoing support through a dedicated WhatsApp group for continuous guidance and sharing of best practices.

Each lesson begins with an engaging introduction to assess the children's understanding of the theme. This is followed by a discussion, sharing of images, and a conclusion with a game/ song/ poem. Every lesson also includes an art activity, allowing children to further explore the themes using recyclable materials. All necessary images are included in the lesson packs, promoting sustainable learning and demonstrating the practicalities of reusing waste.

How has it been spreading?

In 2023, we began developing and presenting WILD HEARTS to 40 children, refining the program as we went along. The Timbavati Foundation soon took notice of the lesson plans and requested to implement them in the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa, serving another 40 children. We supported them with online training to ensure successful delivery.

From there, WILD HEARTS expanded through word of mouth and outreach to various organizations. As a result, we are now serving 2,700 children with the help of 8 partner organizations. Our implementing partners include ECD teachers, YES 4Youth Stewards/interns, and Environmental Officers, all of whom have been instrumental in bringing the program to a wider audience.

We have registered an NPC, Made Better Together, through which we run WILD HEARTS.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Contact us directly: https://www.tenthousestructures.com/wild-hearts. Fill in the form and we will be in direct contact with you! Or else get hold of us on foundation@tenthousestructures.com

Media

🌍🌿💚 WILD HEARTS 💚🌿🌍 Download 45 FREE environmentally-themed activities and dive into eco-friendly fun! Perfect for young learners, these activities support early numeracy, fine motor skills, and more. Ideal for teachers, parents, and nature lovers. Visit: https://www.tenthousestructures.com/wild-hearts-activity-downloads. #MadeBetterTogether #WILDHEARTS #YoungConservationists

Implementation steps

Expression of Interest to become a WILD HEARTS partner

To start the process of becoming a WILD HEARTS partner:
Visit the Webpage: https://www.tenthousestructures.com/
Express Interest: Scroll to the form where you can express your interest in partnering with WILD HEARTS.
Fill Out the Form: Complete the form with your details and submit it.
Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive a response from us, and we’ll arrange a TEAMS call to discuss the program further.
For any questions, you can also email foundation@tenthousestructures.com.

Online Meeting

I meet prospective partners online for an hour to present the WILD HEARTS program. I explain that it features 30 lesson plans and 45 extra activities themed around International Environmental Days, all free. I offer online training and show how to use the materials, which partners need to print and laminate. They must also ensure teachers have data and devices for training. I demonstrate lesson plans and activities, then partners decide if they wish to join.

Signing Up to be a WILD HEARTS Partner

When organizations sign up as WILD HEARTS partners, I send them our Terms of Use and request their logo for our webpage. Once received, I provide the lesson plans via WeTransfer, distributed in batches corresponding to the term. The partner prints and laminates the lesson plans and activities and collects the art materials as needed and recommended.

Training Sessions

We schedule bi-monthly online training sessions where I review the lesson plans with the partner and offer guidance on teaching them. The partner then has a week to prepare and deliver the lesson. Additionally, I set up a WhatsApp group for ongoing support, where I share resources and provide further assistance. Partners use this group to share photographs and videos of their lessons in action, fostering a collaborative learning environment.