1.3 Environmental Sustainability and the Fight Against Climate Change

Conceptual Guidelines

Promoting environmental sustainability in ECE requires a paradigm shift from stand-alone activities to a holistic approach where sustainability is embedded in everyday practices and learning experiences.

• Sustainability as a Core Value: Integrate the principles of environmental sustainability into the curriculum, making it a fundamental part of the learning experience, which means becoming aware of climate change challenges.
• Early Awareness: From a young age, foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment and every living being.

Methodological Guidelines

To foster sustainability in kindergartens, consider the following strategies:

• Nature-Based Learning: Incorporate outdoor activities and interactions with nature into daily routines. This can include gardening, nature walks, and observing wildlife.
• Sustainable Practices: Model and teach sustainable practices such as recycling, conserving water, and reducing waste. Engage children in activities that demonstrate these practices in action.
• Project-Based Learning: Develop projects that focus on environmental issues. For example, a project on recycling can involve sorting waste, understanding recycling processes, and creating art from recycled materials.
• Collaborative Community Efforts: Partner with local environmental organisations to provide hands-on learning experiences and connect children with broader community efforts to protect the environment.