209: Raising Wild Little Wonderers: How Nature Shapes Curious, Confident Children with Sophie O'Borne

## **Raising Wild Little Wonderers: How Nature Shapes Curious, Confident Children with Sophie O'Borne** **What if the greatest gift we can give children isn't another activity—but the freedom to wonder?** In this episode of the **Outdoor Classrooms Podcast**, Victoria Hackett welcomes **Sophie O'Borne**, founder of **Wild Little Wonderers**, for a heartfelt conversation about raising children who are deeply connected to the natural world. Sophie shares the story behind Wild Little Wonderers and the experiences that inspired her work. Together, Victoria and Sophie explore how unhurried time outdoors nurtures curiosity, resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. They discuss the importance of stepping back as adults, trusting children to explore, and creating environments where wonder can flourish. Whether you're an educator, parent, caregiver, or simply someone who believes childhood should include muddy boots, open skies, and endless questions, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical ideas for bringing more nature into children's everyday lives. ### **In This Episode:** - Sophie's journey to founding Wild Little Wonderers - Why wonder is essential to healthy childhood development - The power of unstructured outdoor play - Helping children develop confidence through nature - Supporting curiosity without controlling the experience - Practical ways families and educators can reconnect children with the natural world - Why slowing down creates deeper learning - Building lifelong relationships with nature ### **Key Takeaway:** Children don't need perfect outdoor classrooms or elaborate activities to thrive. They need time, trust, and opportunities to experience the natural world for themselves. When we create space for wonder, children become more curious, capable, and deeply connected—to nature, to others, and to themselves. ### **A Quote from This Episode:** *"Wonder isn't something we teach children. It's something we protect."* ### **Connect with Sophie O'Borne:** 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild\little\wonderers/ ### **Connect with Outdoor Classrooms:** 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🌸 CIRCLE Membership Community ### **Connect with Victoria:** Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com Email: [Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com](mailto:Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) Instagram Facebook #### **Sponsorship Opportunities:** If you believe in the power of outdoor learning and nature-based education, we'd love to partner with you. Sponsoring the *Outdoor Classrooms Podcast* helps support educators while connecting your organization with a passionate community of teachers, school leaders, and families. Contact Victoria at [**victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com**](mailto:victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) to learn more. ### **If you enjoyed this episode...** Please **follow the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast**, leave a **5-star review on Apple Podcasts**, and share this episode with an educator, parent, or friend who believes childhood is best experienced outdoors. Every review helps us reach more people who are passionate about reconnecting children with nature. Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators! ### *"When children are given the freedom to wonder, they discover far more than the world around them—they begin to discover who they are."* 🌿