Recently, a survey involving 600 parents and 400 children aged six and seven asked participants to name everyday things they find incredible or awe-inspiring, such as sunflowers, diggers, and puddles. This survey was conducted as part of Specsavers' 'Wonder' campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye health. Exploring Wonders: What Makes Something Special? The concept of a ‘wonder’ often sparks curiosity and fascination, especially among children. During school assemblies and classroom discussions inspired by this campaign, students were invited to look at a poster and describe what they could see, predicting what this week’s story might be about. This activity encouraged them to share and reflect on their own sense of wonder about the world around them. The Seven Natural Wonders of the World Many discussions centred on the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World’—natural places that are recognised for their unique beauty and significance. Students explored whether they were familiar with any of these wonders, such as the Parícutin Volcano or the Northern Lights, and debated whether the list should be updated over time. Children considered what it means for a place to be recognised as a wonder and how it might impact that place. Personal Wonders: Big and Small Through watching Specsavers’ advert and engaging with related classroom activities, students made lists of wonders they noticed—demonstrating that wonders can be grand, like the Amazon Rainforest, or small, like a rainbow or a flower. Classroom discussions encouraged children to consider whether everyone finds wonder in the same things and whether size or fame is necessary for something to be wondrous. How Are Wonders Chosen? Students discussed the process of selecting the Seven Natural Wonders and reflected on whether public voting should influence the list. These conversations prompted questions about what characteristics—such as beauty, rarity, or importance to people or the planet—make a place or object a wonder. There was an understanding that not all wonders are universally agreed upon; different cultures and communities may value different places for different reasons. The Value of Protecting Natural Wonders Protecting and celebrating the world’s wonders emerged as a key theme. The importance of safeguarding these unique locations was discussed, as well as the potential consequences if they are left unprotected. The idea that our choices of wonders may evolve over time, to include more places needing awareness and care, was also examined. Classroom Activities: Discovering Everyday Wonders To deepen understanding, students engaged in activities such as: Using a map or atlas to locate and label the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Imagining serving on a 'Natural Wonders Committee' to nominate new wonders, considering factors like beauty, rarity, and importance. Exploring their environment to identify and present personal wonders—ranging from trees and clouds to bugs and raindrops. Painting scenes of natural wonders and combining the art into a classroom collage to celebrate the beauty around them. Reflecting on Wonders in Everyday Life Reflection formed a vital part of the assembly and classroom process. Students were prompted to consider when something last left them amazed, and whether those moments are different for everyone. They discussed the differences between natural wonders and those created by people, such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China. Key Vocabulary Awareness: To know about something and understand its importance. Campaign: A series of planned activities aimed at achieving a particular goal. Displays: Objects or collections shown publicly for people to see. Eye Health: The practice of caring for our eyes. Launch: To start something new, often with excitement or ceremony. Survey: A method of gathering information by asking questions. Conclusion The world is filled with wonders, both natural and human-made. Through assemblies and classroom discussions, students learned to appreciate both the extraordinary and the everyday, gaining a deeper understanding of what makes something remarkable. By thinking about and sharing the things they value, children develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of wonders in the world. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
