Why should Young Children be taking care of the Natural Environment?
Children must develop a sense of respect and caring for the natural environment during their first few years of life or be at risk for never developing such attitudes. Positive interactions with the natural environment are an important part of healthy child development, and these interactions enhance learning and the quality of life over the span of one's lifetime.Children who are close to nature relate to it as a source of wonder, joy, and awe.
Environmental education during the early years should be based on this sense of wonder and the joy of discovery (KidSource, 2009).
When children are engaging with the natural environment, they develop specific knowledge in this area that is demonstrated when children:
Environmental education during the early years should be based on this sense of wonder and the joy of discovery (KidSource, 2009).
When children are engaging with the natural environment, they develop specific knowledge in this area that is demonstrated when children:
- show appreciation and concern for natural environments;
- explore the relationships with other living and non-living things;
- observe, notice and respond to changes in their environment; and
- develop an awareness of the impact that human activity has on not only the environment, but also on the dependence of other things living in it. (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2014).
How is respecting the Environment addressed in Early Years settings?
Creating activities and spaces for children that addresses respect for their environment are some of the most fun and engaging activities for children. Having the opportunity to go outdoors or just learning about the way their world works intrigues children and they want to be involved and take part in any way they can.
The two activities below are just two ways that children may have the opportunity to learn about the importance of respecting the natural environment. One is a large scale project and the other is a starting point in learning to respect the natural environment.
The two activities below are just two ways that children may have the opportunity to learn about the importance of respecting the natural environment. One is a large scale project and the other is a starting point in learning to respect the natural environment.
School Vegetable GardenAllowing students to create a garden, gives them a fun and engaging activity to occupy themselves with, as well as learn about the environment as an ongoing setting. When the students are having their learning is being supported. Creating a sustainable garden at school will not only provide students with a fun and interactive activity, but they will also learn about respecting the environment, so the plants grow, as well as help them enjoy the benefits of gardening. They can contribute their ideas and skills to the design of the garden, get involved in its creation and planting, and take on responsibility for the garden’s ongoing care and maintenance. Students will learn about:
(Scholatic, 2008). How does this link to the Australian Curriculum?
Australian National Curriculum Year 1: People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE022) http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Outcome 2: Children are Connected with and Contribute to their World. Children show growing and care for natural and constructed environments. Outcome 4: Children are Confident and Involved Learners. Children express wonder and interest in their environments. Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (SCaSA) Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines: Show respect for the environment. suggest ways to care for and sustain the environment (connects to the Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum). School Curriculum and Standards Authority. |
The Earth and IThe Earth and I is a great starting point for teaching children about respecting their environment. It is a book that explains the relationships between people and the Earth, and gives a simple message that we must take care of it, and keep it happy. "When the Earth is happy, I am happy" is one of the lines in the book, and the illustrations that accompany help to deliver the message to the children in a way that they are able to understand. Below is a YouTube clip of the Author, Frank Asch reading his book.
How does this link to the Australian Curriculum?
Australian National Curriculum Year 1: People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE022) http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Outcome 2: Children are Connected with and Contribute to their World. Children show growing and care for natural and constructed environments. Outcome 4: Children are Confident and Involved Learners. Children make predictions and generalisations about their daily activities, aspects of the natural world and environments, using patterns they generate or identify and communicate these using mathematical language and symbols. Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (SCaSA) Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines: Show respect for the environment. discuss how not caring for the environment might harm it (connects to the Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum) School Curriculum and Standards Authority. |
See Some More Examples
Introducing Sustainability
Creating a sustainable garden
Rethinking Outdoor Learning Environments
Sustainability in the Early Years
PlayCoach
Wetlands Watchers
Creating a sustainable garden
Rethinking Outdoor Learning Environments
Sustainability in the Early Years
PlayCoach
Wetlands Watchers
References:
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2014). National Quality Framework. Natural Environments. Fact sheet. June 2014. Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/providers/regulation/nqfnatural%20environment.pdf. Accessed 29/9/2015.
KidSource, (2009). What Can I Teach my Young Child About the Environment? Retrieved from http://www.kidsource.com/education/teach.environment.p.k12.3.html Accessed 29/9/2015.
Scholastic, (2008). Tips for Creating a Sustainable Garden. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com.au/files/schools/bookclub/aust/brochures/current/KAB_classroom_tips_creating_sustainable_garden_.pdf Accessed 28/9/2015.
KidSource, (2009). What Can I Teach my Young Child About the Environment? Retrieved from http://www.kidsource.com/education/teach.environment.p.k12.3.html Accessed 29/9/2015.
Scholastic, (2008). Tips for Creating a Sustainable Garden. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com.au/files/schools/bookclub/aust/brochures/current/KAB_classroom_tips_creating_sustainable_garden_.pdf Accessed 28/9/2015.