We are all aware of the phrases “global warming”, “going green” and “sustainability” and there are debates over whether global warming is a true fact or sensationalised by the media.
Whatever your take on this phenomenon, we should all agree that teaching young children about sustainability and caring for the environment, regardless of your motivation, is important!
Learning about sustainability starts with everyday practices of limiting waste, and reducing energy and water usage by collecting rainwater; minimising the use of heating and cooling; turning off lights and power switches when not needed; or putting food scraps in a compost bin and plastic wrappers in the recycling.
Other ways we can educate children is through planting out own veggie garden, having a worm farm, getting involved in Clean up Australia Day, encourage children to educate families about the 3
R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
It is vital that educators model these practices and involve children, as young as 12 months in the process. This may mean verbalising what is happening, or using songs and rhymes.
With children over three, educators can begin to discuss the reasons these practices are needed.
This encourages deeper learning, where children become critical thinkers, helping them to understand the impact that our actions have on the planet.
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