Ecology in kindergarten - how to teach the little ones about eco-living?
Ecology
14 January 2023
Environmental pollution and climate change are threats to modern societies that need to be countered as soon as possible. An ecological attitude related to the protection of our planet should already be inculcated from an early age, which is why ecological education in kindergarten is an essential part of the upbringing of the new generation. In this article, we present the principles of ecological education. You will find out how you can create an environmental programme for your kindergarten and make your establishment more eco-friendly.
Ecology in kindergarten - science and practice
Shaping pro-environmental attitudes should start in early childhood - so that the behaviour and skills we develop as children will also carry over into adulthood. Therefore, ecology classes in kindergarten are an important and necessary part of child development. Environmental education at this stage is not only about teaching, but above all about educating and building a sense of responsibility.
It is also important to remember that example always comes from the top. Children observe adult behaviour and often try to imitate it, so the attitude of parents and teachers should be a role model for them. Ecological activities in the kindergarten do not just end with common activities, but make the kindergarteners into responsible little ecologists who know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to caring for the environment.
What does it look like to learn ecology in kindergarten?
The kindergarten environmental programme should be based on learning through experience. Children learn through opportunities to observe the plant and animal world in a natural environment. Conscious teaching means encouraging interaction and learning about nature. Ecology lessons can start by showing the negative impact of man on the environment (pictures of polluted rivers, felled forests) and then demonstrate how this can be counteracted.
After theory, it is time for practice. Joint excursions and walks in the forest will work well here, providing valuable experience. Growing together, taking care of plants in groups, is also a good way to do this. This activity will awaken in the toddlers a conscious interest in the world around them and develop a sense of value and unity with our planet.
Green solutions for kindergartens - how to make them more eco-friendly
In addition to theoretical and practical classes, environmental activities can be introduced in the kindergarten on a daily basis. Children can take part in joint cleaning not only on Earth Day. It is a good idea to provide waste segregation bins on the premises, so that the children learn from a very young age which products should be disposed of in which containers. They will take this knowledge beyond kindergarten and can adapt it in their own homes.
One of the activities of the eco kindergarten is also to prevent food waste and raise awareness of the need to eat healthy, natural products. To this end, preschoolers can be involved in helping with the preschool-owned garden. Each kindergarten can also use a kindergarten eco-author programme, which is usually created by a researcher or a teacher or educator.
When setting up an educational programme in a kindergarten, it is important to remember that ecology should have its rightful place in it. After all, learning from an early age can only have positive effects for the future, and children will also encourage their parents to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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