Liu Fangfang may not be a household name in Denmark, but in China, every child and parent connected to her daycare and kindergarten knows about Denmark. Liu visited Funen in 2018 as part of a course for Chinese early childhood educators at Nordfyns Folk High School. She returned home deeply inspired by the Danish approach to early childhood education and Denmark’s child-centered philosophy.

She was particularly struck by seeing Danish children play outside in all weather conditions, and how nature helps children explore their limits, stimulates imagination, and builds self-esteem.
 

From Plastic Flooring to Mud and Puddles

Upon returning to China, Liu made a radical decision: she removed her institution’s colorful, soft plastic flooring and replaced it with an outdoor area filled with earth, puddles, channels, plants, and stones. This move was not met with universal enthusiasm—58 children were immediately withdrawn. But today, the school is so popular there’s a long waiting list!

New Book on Self-Esteem and Nature

Drawing on her inspiration from Danish kindergartens and her experience implementing changes in China, Liu Fangfang has just published a new book: Confident Children Will Shine. The book explores the connection between children's self-esteem and Danish nature-based education. As Liu writes, “Nature nurtures and educates children in its own quiet yet powerful way.”

To Liu, self-esteem is an inner strength that empowers each child in their development. A child with self-worth will know their own value and inner strength. Her call to parents is clear: support your children in building self-esteem by allowing them to grow at their own unforced pace. Although her message is aimed at Chinese parents, it resonates just as well here in Denmark. It’s amazing what knowledge sharing and mutual inspiration can lead to. :-)