Children reveal their 'wonders of the world' - and it's not the Eiffel Tower or pyramids

Wales Online

6 days ago

Children reveal their 'wonders of the world' - and it's not the Eiffel Tower or pyramids
A survey of 600 parents and 400 six-and-seven year olds has unveiled the everyday marvels that captivate young minds with sunflowers, seashells, and rocks topping the list
Sunflowers, seashells, and rocks have been hailed as 'wonders of the world' by youngsters. A study featuring nearly 400 six-and-seven year olds has revealed the ordinary marvels that fascinate children's imaginations.
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The leading list featured caterpillars, puddles, and surprisingly diggers. Eight of ten youngsters gather and cherish objects such as seaside pebbles or fascinating twigs discovered during forest adventures.
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Among the 600 parents questioned, two-thirds attributed their child's enchantment with these 'everyday wonders' to helping them appreciate the magic of their surroundings.
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The survey was commissioned as part of Specsavers' 'Wonder' campaign in which museum-style displays have been established throughout the UK, presenting children's 'wonders of the world'.
Kids shared their 'Wonders of the World' in Specsavers recent campaign
(Image: PinPep)
The campaign aims to encourage parents to consider the importance of children's eye health and its impact on their joy and curiosity.
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Each display in London, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff showcases a different 'wonder' chosen by five local youngsters, accompanied by their own individual plaque. These feature Yusuf's Digger, Aoife's Caterpillar, Ava's Sunflower, Ffion's Rock, and Mila's Seashell.
Professor Sam Wass, child psychologist and neuroscientist, said: "Children see the world in a way adults often forget – full of magic, mystery and wonder. Good vision is essential to this journey of discovery," he added. "It helps children explore, ask questions and learn through play, all of which are essential to their development."
On a daily basis, youngsters discover magic in the ordinary, with 68 per cent finding 'wonders' at the seaside, 63 per cent in their back gardens, and 50 per cent at their neighbourhood park.
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Mila (aged 7) admires a seashell on display at Specsavers' UK-wide campaign
(Image: PinPep)
Research from OnePoll.com shows 35 per cent of children even spot something fascinating during their journey to school. More than a quarter of mums and dads confessed they end up being late because their children are observing something on the way.
Sights that fascinate young kids include birds sitting on telephone wires, reflections in puddles, and the silvery tracks left behind by slugs and snails. Perhaps as a result, more than half of parents have been inspired to slow down and take a closer look at their surroundings.
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This could be beneficial for the 39 per cent who confessed they often take their ability to see clearly for granted.
Sarah Joyce, director of optometry at Specsavers added: "Being able to see clearly is vital to children as they learn about the world – as around 80 per cent of learning in school is visual. But around one in five children under the age of 10 have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder.
"Conditions such as long- or short-sightedness, astigmatism, or a squint can often be treated more effectively if they are picked up early – meaning regular eye tests from the age of four, or sooner if they are having any problems, are essential.
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"The great news is, for children under 16, the NHS will cover the full cost of the eye test."
TOP 10 EVERYDAY THINGS KIDS FIND AMAZING: