The Importance of Early Childhood Environmental Education

Do you remember the first time you felt the wet grass under your bare feet or the cold tickle of a snowflake on your tongue? For young children, the world is a place of curiosity and wonder. They constantly explore, discover, and build connections with everything around them. Children’s natural affinity for the environment is the foundation of environmental education in early childhood.

As the condition of our planet faces many challenges, it becomes essential to instill sustainable practices and values starting in early childhood. Most institutions consider the early childhood age range to include infants through children age 8. Teaching environmental education to this age group provides a unique opportunity to shape children’s attitudes and behaviors toward the environment from a young age.

At Nature of Early Play, we firmly believe in teaching environmental sustainability to all ages. If you are an educator at a preschool or involved in early childhood education, here are some reasons why environmental education programs are essential. We are also including some practical strategies to get you started:

What Is Early Childhood Sustainability Education?

In short, sustainability education in early childhood is about giving the youngest learners an understanding of the natural world. It is about fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for our planet. This happens by offering opportunities for young ones to experience the joy of being close to nature and to develop respect for all creatures. This approach is both cognitive and emotional and incorporates knowledge and action.

A History Of Environmental Education in Early Childhood

The latest broader environmental education trends focus on teaching sustainability to toddlers and preschoolers. However, early childhood environmental education is not new. Its origins started with Friedrich Froebel, the founder of early childhood education. He believed that children should grow in harmony with nature.

The idea of a kindergarten, literally “children’s garden,” was born in the nineteenth century, when children were encouraged to play and experiment in their own individual gardens surrounded by a communal garden. This allowed them to gain firsthand experience with nature, which Froebel and other pioneers of early childhood education believed was crucial for the development of infants and toddlers.

8 Benefits of Learning Sustainability in Early Childhood

At Nature of Early Play, we aim to facilitate frequent contact with nature. This goes beyond just routine time on the playground. From watching flowers bloom to observing the flow of water, we promote a deep sense of appreciation and wonder for the environment in our little ones. Here are some clear benefits of starting sustainability practices early, according to environmental education-focused research literature:

1. Early Habits Last a Lifetime:

Children develop habits and values during their formative years. Introducing sustainable practices early can lead to lifelong eco-friendly behaviors. When children learn to appreciate and care for the environment, they are more likely to carry these values into adulthood. Integrating sustainable practices into the daily routines of toddlers and preschoolers develops eco-friendly habits early on. Even less involved environmental education programs can take simple steps like saving water, recycling, and using recycled play materials, setting the stage for an earth-conscious lifestyle.

2. Boosts Confidence:

Environmental education builds confidence in toddlers and preschoolers to tackle real-world problems. By engaging young kids in real-world efforts, they gain a sense of self-efficacy and belief in their ability to make meaningful changes.

3. Foster a Sense of Responsibility:

Teaching environmental sustainability helps children understand their role in preserving the planet. It instills a sense of responsibility and empowers them to make positive changes, no matter how small. By facilitating a deeper understanding of the environment and the implications of human actions on it, environmental education builds a sense of responsibility and ownership in students, fostering a generation of environmental stewards.

4. Enhance Social and Emotional Development:

Engaging with nature and learning about the environment can enhance each type of a child’s cognitive development. Activities like gardening, recycling, and nature walks stimulate empathy by connecting children to the greater world. Look at our article about the benefits of gardening for a deeper look into the connection between dirt and young minds!

5. Encourage Critical Thinking:

Environmental education encourages children to think critically about the world around them. They learn to ask questions, solve problems, and make informed decisions that benefit the environment. Environmental education prepares students for the complexities of the real world by promoting critical thinking. Children learn to make predictions, analyze observations, interpret findings, and solve problems—skills that are extremely valuable in today’s world.

6. Language and Literacy Development:

Successful sustainability education programs work toward emphasizing environmental literacy development. Environmental education makes traditional subjects like science, mathematics, English, social studies, art, and music more relevant when directly linked to curricular content. When young children see the relevance of their learning, they tend to grasp concepts more easily, resulting in improved academic performance.

7. Boosts Creativity:

Environmental education encourages kids to think outside the box. Children are often tasked with finding innovative solutions to environmental problems, leading to enhanced creativity. At Nature of Early Play, we are all about earth-inspired creativity!

8. Supports Well-being:

Spending time in nature is known to have numerous health benefits for young children, including improved cognitive, cardiovascular, and immune functioning. By drawing learners outdoors, environmental education can significantly enhance wellbeing.

Preschool Activities for Teaching Environmental Sustainability

Teaching sustainability at such a young age may seem like a stretch. Still, creating a learning environment that naturally encourages eco-friendly habits and discussion is not hard.

Unlike traditional subjects like English or history, environmental education offers a tactile, experiential learning journey. It is not confined to textbooks; it is the realm of discovery where children explore, observe, and interact with the world around them—be it marveling at insects or watching a seed sprout.

Through such rich, immersive experiences, young minds not only learn about their environment but also understand their position and responsibilities within it. Regular, varied engagements with nature foster civic and environmental consciousness in children, laying down the roots for them to become the scientists, entrepreneurs, advocates, and responsible citizens of the future.

Unsure where to begin with early childhood environmental education? Start by sparking children’s natural curiosity to initiate their journey towards environmental awareness with these simple activities:

• Colorful Explorations: Start basic with color identifications. Have your children identify the vibrant hues of the natural world, from the verdant greens to the fiery reds and yellows of wildlife.
• Seasonal Observations: Track how the surroundings change with the seasons. Teach children about the chilly winters, the snowy landscapes, the leafless trees, as well as the revitalized flora and fauna in spring. You can teach it right there on the playground, thankfully, all of our equipment at Nature of Early Play is made to easily withstand the elements all year long!
• Auditory Adventures: Use the symphony of nature to teach your kids about sounds and onomatopoeia. The chirping of birds, buzzing insects, and the soothing sound of a running creek could offer them a great learning experience.
• Microscopic Marvels: Children love mud! Use this element to get their hands dirty and spark their interest in the microcosmos of soil and its inhabitants. Our Mud Kitchen Sets are a great place for kids to explore dirt and all the ecologically-critical creepy crawlies that inhabit it!
• Lifecycle Lessons: Bring classroom science to life with the observation of life cycles. Get a small setup to observe and learn about the life cycles of butterflies, ladybugs, and frogs. Our line of outdoor magnetic chalkboards and whiteboards can be used for all kinds of handy diagrams.
• Sensory Safaris: Collect fallen leaves, twigs, and other objects to teach the kids about native trees and plants. This will familiarize them with different tree types and instill a respect for nature by leaving it undisturbed. Place the children’s findings in our Outdoor Nature Bowls and Tables for a closer peek!
• Energy and Water Conservation: It’s never too early to teach kids simple ways to conserve energy and water. This can include turning off lights when they leave the room and using a lower water flow at the sink. Explain the importance of conserving these resources and the impact they have on the environment. Our collection of Water Playground Equipment is perfect for helping children understand the water cycle and the importance of conserving this precious resource.
• Eco-Friendly Crafts and Activities: Incorporate eco-friendly crafts and activities into the curriculum. Use natural or recycled materials for art projects. Activities like making bird feeders, creating nature journals, and building insect hotels can be both educational and fun.
• Storytelling and Books: Books and stories are powerful tools for teaching environmental sustainability. Choose age-appropriate books that focus on nature, conservation, and the environment. Discuss the stories with children and relate them to real-life practices.

Tips For Teaching Environment In Early Childhood Education

Understanding the interconnectedness between different elements of our ecosystem and social structures is a key concept in sustainability education. Delivering this knowledge requires a strategic approach, aligned with curriculum standards, emphasizing hands-on engagements, real-world case studies, and connections to the natural world.

Keep It Age-Appropriate

When engaging young children in a potentially heavy topic like climate change, it is important to approach this education in a child-friendly way. Young children do not have the coping skills to comprehend the scale of environmental crises or the extinction of species. A too-dire approach could lead to sadness, fear, helplessness, or apathy. The task of environmental education for young children is to forge a bond between children and nature and to build a foundation that will allow for positive examination of issues and appropriate action later in life.

Make it Play-Based

The most frequently reported outcomes of successful early childhood sustainability programs emphasize the importance of play-based learning.

While building a solid knowledge base is crucial, the essence of sustainability education lies in developing the skills needed for active contribution. The true pinnacle of sustainability education is when knowledge translates into meaningful action. This involves applying what is learned in the classroom to real efforts, such as school sustainability programs, collaborating with local organizations, or participating in community-based projects. It encourages students to lead and take ownership of their green initiatives and teachers to take on the role of guides and coaches.

Connect Preschool Activities to The Adult World

Young children may feel disconnected from many concepts related to environmental sustainability, so bring it down to their level! Our EV Trike equipment connects their reality with the adult world, allowing kids to see that environmental sustainability should be a part of every aspect of life. Teaching toddlers about the amount of carbon emissions in our atmosphere may fly right over their heads, but when they “charge up” their trikes every day, green living will begin to click!

Bring Preschool Outdoors

Every green school should take the classroom outside whenever possible. Outdoor play and exploration is a great way to help children connect with nature and develop a love for the environment. Nature of Early Play believes outdoor play helps toddlers and preschoolers cultivate curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Our outdoor classroom products allow teachers to take their lesson plans outdoors so children can explore and learn about nature in nature. This line includes raised garden beds, water troughs, outdoor chalkboard and acrylic board, picnic tables, nature bowls for exploring different natural materials, and more.

Keep Playtime Sustainable Inside and Out

Adopt sustainable practices within the classroom. Use eco-friendly supplies, reduce paper usage, and implement a “green” classroom policy. Encourage children to participate in these practices and explain their significance.

There’s no reason that these principles can’t apply outside the walls of the classroom as well! Nature of Early Play’s equipment is made from sustainable materials like our proprietary Recycled Structural Plastic (RSP). This sturdy formula is low-maintenance and incredibly long-lasting, meaning you’ll save waste in the long run by not needing to replace it every few years.

Plant The Seeds For An Eco-Friendly Future With Nature of Early Play!

Even our smallest friends can make a big difference! Ensuring our young ones learn about environmental sustainability today can mean a world of difference tomorrow. At Nature of Early Play, our products are designed to spark a love for the Earth in a way that is safe and accessible to the youngest learners. As we nurture a greater sense of civic engagement, we inch closer to a more sustainable future where our children are not just educated about sustainability but proactive champions of the cause.

Contact Nature of Early Play today and make your daycare, preschool, park, or community center a place where little ones are buzzing with passion for our planet!