Early childhood is a wonderful time to engage children in learning about sustainability, and to begin to develop lifelong practices. It is important that we encourage the children to realise the significance of caring for and protecting their environment.

Our aim in the Early Learning Centre is to promote a positive and proactive attitude towards sustainability. We believe that it is important to engage the children in developmentally appropriate sustainable practices that meet their level of understanding and help them make connections in their everyday lives.

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” Thomas Berry 

Sustainability begins with making a connection to nature. The children in Campbell House are provided with many opportunities to connect with nature through hands-on experiences. The children engage in planned and spontaneous learning experiences where they explore, observe, question and investigate the natural world around them. They are often excited by their discoveries of living and non-living things. These discoveries provide provocations for further questions and research.

Sustainable practices are embedded in our everyday routines within the ELC. At meal times, the children recycle their food scraps and packaging. Paper recycling is also promoted within the classroom. The children engage in gardening and composting experiences. When using water, the children learn about water conservation and water sources. Observations and discussions often centre on the weather and what causes changing weather conditions.

There are so many opportunities for planned and spontaneous learning in regard to sustainability both at home and the ELC, and together we can make a difference to our world.

End of Term

As the Term draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all ELC families for your patience, understanding and adaptability as we navigated what has been an extremely challenging term for all. We are certainly very proud of the way the ELC children have demonstrated great resilience and independence to adjust to the many changes in routine and procedure that have been placed upon them. They have delighted in the opportunity to reconnect with their friends, resume their classroom programs and regain a sense of routine as they adjust to the ‘new normal’.

We will look forward to welcoming the children back for an exciting new Term of learning and discovery on Tuesday 14 July.