‘green’ thumbs Continued...
• Allow children to choose what seasonal fruit, vegetables or herbs they’d like to grow and seek ideas from families for the design of the outdoor environment. Water plants during the cool parts of the day to maximise absorption.
scraps go may be one way to do this. Discussing the concept of drought by examining photographs and drawing signs about water conservation can provoke curiosity and creativity in older children.
• Observe and monitor biodiversity by keeping a log of all creatures big and small in the grounds. Work with children to research native wildlife.
Early childhood is a critical time for environmental education. Children are more likely to adopt good behaviours if they understand why and how to be sustainable.
• Looking after animals can be fun, consider sponsoring animals at zoos and sanctuaries.
Lessons that can last a lifetime
• Build sustainability into policies and procedures, and use this to communicate with and educate the wider community. Create critical thinkers Turning off the lights at the end of the day is one thing, but do children understand why they’re being asked to do so? During the assessment and rating visit, authorised officers will want to know how children are being supported to develop an understanding and respect for the environment. Build strategies in to your program that will encourage critical thinking. Prompting children to question where uneaten food
Children can learn a range of valuable experiences through adopting environmentally responsible practices. Respectful attitudes learnt in these early years can last a lifetime. There are many useful resources available to support early childhood educators to embed sustainable practices, including the Early Childhood Australia website (www. earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au). For additional information on Standard 3.3 of the NQS, refer to the Guide to the National Quality Standard available from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website (www.acecqa.gov.au).
CHILDCARE QUEENSLAND NEWS - Summer SPRING 2011 2012
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