Do 4 year olds need to be environmental warriors?
I've always been an advocate for protecting our natural environment. I do my best to reduce my consumption and impact on the planet, and to make eco friendly choices where I can. When I worked with children I felt a responsibility to share that with them, and I have done the same with my own children. Over the years though, I have been asked some version of this question more times than I would like to admit: why do small children need to be burdened with the heaviness or responsibility of saving the planet?
And I guess this is where our understanding of environmental stewardship or connectedness comes into play. The facts are that our environment suffers due to our living in it. The choices we make, the way we explore and experience the world, all have an impact on the environment.
There are animals that no longer exist because of us.
There are habitats that are decimated because of us
There are materials in holes in our earth that will take thousands of years to truly break down because of us
There are microsplastics in our bodies causing health concern because of us.
This is all true. And, if we are going to do anything about it - about limiting the damage, about avoiding more damage - then we need to be aware, we can't look away.
So what does this mean when it comes to children? Do we need to be scaring children with the doom and gloom of our planet? No. But do we need them to be aware of how the choices that they make impact our planet? Yes.
What does environmental stewardship look like in early childhood?
Let me be clear, I am not suggesting that the next generation should be responsible for fixing the mistakes of generations past. What we are really looking to achieve in the early years is a connection to the natural environment.
Nurturing a fascination for the environment, a love for the environment, a connection to place, that's our role when it comes to supporting our 'environmental warriors". We do not want to do harm to something that we love. And we do not want to protect something that we do not love.
So, on this World Environment Day, don't feel pressured to do a recycling demonstration or talk about climate change (not that there is anything wrong with those things!), instead focussing on nurturing the love for our environment.
I love this photo from one of our former Inspired FDC educators Motria
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Thank you all for your comments.
Sue – 100% agree sustainability is so multi-layered, and we definitely should as a sector be going deeper into our environmental impact. Many educators seem to find it difficult to even start, so I guess being in the comfy place of nature play is where they can get started easily. What would be your best recommendation for educators ready to take the next step?
Thanks for raising this issue…..there are two aspects that I view as critical here.
Our images of children as capable, agentic and empowered to make change are fundamental. There are many ways educators can scaffold opportunities for children to be advocates and activists.
The posts focus so much on nature, when sustainability is multi dimensional as stated by UNESCO and the EYLF v2. Nature is our comfortable space in ECE, but we must look beyond green for transformative approaches and fully embedding ECEfS.
I’m busy finishing my bachelor degree in education and have introduced and embedded sustainability into my preschool room. The children love caring for all our little creatures in the classroom and are so fascinated in helping protect our environment. We are also hoping to start bush kindy soon to get them out and learning more about conservation and sustainability of outdoor environments. This was a great read thank you.
Love your post, I am currently doing my masters thesis on embedded a notion of sustainability in early years through every lived experiences. I would love to hear more.