1.2 Sustainability

What are they learning:

This week in learning space 6 at Best Beginning Child Care Centre, we are beginning a focus on sustainability and the ways in which we can take care of our environment both in, and out, of the classroom. We are beginning to learn about this by placing an emphasis on recycling and its importance in our everyday lives. Learning about sustainability can begin at a young age and provides all children with the knowledge and skills necessary to live a life that is more environmentally sound (Early Childhood Australia, 2016).

Early childhood is the time where children learn the most, and begin to develop relationships. By developing a positive relationship between your child and the environment at an early age, they develop the knowledge and skills to truly help it (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisation [UNESCO], 2008).

Why are they learning:

In this centre, all educators use the Early Years Learning Framework [EYLF] (Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], 2009) in their rooms to guide their experiences. Having sustainability as a focus in our room achieves outcome two of the framework, which helps your children connect with and contribute to their world. The learning experiences provided for your children will help guide them to becoming socially responsible individuals who show respect and care for the environment.

How are they learning:

Whilst we are exploring this subject in our rooms, your child will be participating in various play-based activities that are designed to extend their knowledge. These activities are:

·         Reading the book ‘Recycling is Fun’ by Charles Chigna.

·         Having a group discussion about why we should recycle, and what we can, and cannot recycle in our classroom and at home.

·         Using the focus question “what do we recycle?” your children use inquiry-based learning to sort through different types of rubbish, and discovering through touch, which bins they belong in (rubbish/recycling/compost bin).

Inquiry-based learning is a teaching strategy that is used throughout the experience, as the children are investigating their environment to find their own answer for the focus question. Inquiry-based learning is used to encourage children to ask questions, to develop a complete understanding, and to challenge, engage, and extend their learning (Killen, 2014).

How you can support their learning:

You are a critical part of your child’s learning and development. For your child to receive the maximum benefits from these learning experiences, it needs to take place at home as well. Any little contribution would make the biggest difference. This can be done by introducing a recycling bin at home, or if you already have one, further educate them on what does, and does not, go in to it. You could also allow them to be in charge of the maintenance of it; this will encourage responsibility.