As an educator, do you often find yourself stumped with how to engage children and coworkers in sustainable practices?
The Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 provides us with a new foundational principle called “sustainability”. We are challenged to think beyond the worm farms by connecting with the three dimensions of sustainability known as “Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability”.
But what does this look like in practice?
Educators provide children with experiences and embedded rituals that are reflective of children’s avid interest in the world. The interconnectedness between the three dimensions cannot be ignored. When teaching the principles of sustainability we must value each dimension equally. What are some easy ways we can consider sustainability practices by incorporating the three EYLF dimensions.
Environmental sustainability: conserve the natural resources already available might look like: collecting and reusing rainwater for the purpose of watering indoor plants, gardening, or conserving energy by encouraging children to be “light” monitors as an active role responsibility.
Social sustainability: living in a community that is equitable and fair might look like: caring for our community and wider community through toy or clothes drives, as well as utilising local businesses that are connected to your context.
Economic sustainability: supporting economic sustainability. Service initiatives that involve all stakeholders in developing ways to reduce waste examples: children self serving meals, placing scraps into compost bins to feed the worms, and using the worm wee to feed the garden where some of the food grows.
As the future generations, the young children of today play a remarkable role in creating sustainable communities.
Want to know more on this topic? Listen to the Learn Play Thrive The Podcast Eps. 6 when our host Simone Brand interviews sustainability expert Dorothee Seeto from Endless Play Studio discussing all things sustainability in Early Childhood.
Follow the podcast link on our website, or search “Learn Play Thrive The Podcast” on your favourite podcast platform to listen and get learning today.
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