Why Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday Matters in the Early YearsSir David Attenborough is known and loved by many people for the way he helps us understand animals, nature and the world around us. As he celebrates his 100th birthday, it is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children in the Early Years to his work in a simple, age-appropriate and inspiring way.For young children, learning about Sir David Attenborough does not need to focus on long lists of facts or complicated environmental issues. Instead, it can begin with curiosity. What animals do children already know? What do they enjoy noticing outside? Have they ever watched birds, spotted insects, looked closely at flowers or wondered where different animals live?Download our Early Years Sir David Attenborough resourceHelping Young Children Notice NatureAt Picture News, our Early Years resource for Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday helps children explore these ideas through pictures, talk and simple activities. The resource encourages children to look carefully, share what they can see, and begin thinking about how we can learn from the natural world.Sir David Attenborough’s work is a lovely starting point for developing children’s sense of awe and wonder. His programmes have helped people see amazing animals, habitats and landscapes from around the world. In the Early Years, this can link beautifully to children’s own experiences. A child may not have seen a rainforest or a blue whale, but they can notice a worm in the garden, listen to birdsong, watch clouds moving across the sky or care for a plant in the classroom.Exploring the Question: How Can We Help to Look After Our World?These small moments matter. They help children build early connections with nature and begin to understand that the world is full of living things. They also support key areas of early learning, including communication and language, understanding the world, personal, social and emotional development, and expressive arts and design.Our Sir David Attenborough Early Years resource gives practitioners a simple way to open up these conversations. It supports children to think about questions such as: what can we see in the picture? What animals do we know? How can we look after living things? Who helps us learn about the world?Simple Sir David Attenborough Activities for Early YearsThe resource can be used during carpet time, as part of a topic on animals or nature, or as a gentle introduction to environmental care. Children might go on a nature walk, create animal artwork, make a class display, share their favourite animals or talk about ways to care for plants and wildlife.Celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday is not just about looking back at one person’s life. It is also about helping children look forward: What will they notice? What will they care about? How might they help look after the world around them?Download our Early Years Sir David Attenborough resource to help children explore nature, curiosity and care for the world in a simple and meaningful way.
