Earth Day can be a source of inspiration for early childhood care & learning providers, inviting them to refresh their curriculum with activities related to nature and our connection to the natural world. Young children are eager to find out more about the living things they encounter each day, and we can support their sense of curiosity by expressing our enthusiasm and care for the natural environment. When children learn from a young age to enjoy and appreciate nature, they develop a sense of compassion for the world in which they live. This article offers ideas for educators and care providers to encourage children’s connection to the natural environment and pave the way for them to grow into thoughtful stewards of the Earth.
Supporting young children’s connection to the planet has many benefits. An article from Edutopia notes, “When young children spend time in natural environments, their cognitive, social and emotional, and communication skills improve. Connecting with nature expands brain development, promotes social interaction, and provides an environment conducive for imaginary play, discovery, wonder, and effortless curiosity.”
Building a connection with the environment is also good for the planet. One of the best ways to protect our planet is to help children grow up with a love for the earth that inspires them to want to care for and preserve it. When we help young children to recognize the beauty of nature and all of the ways that we are connected to the planet, they are more likely to want to protect it as they get older.
When you are outdoors with the children in your care, show them what it looks like to care for the planet. You might do this by watering the plants in your yard, putting up bird feeders, or planting fresh flowers. Young children learn so much by watching the adults in their lives. We can teach them to have empathy and compassion for our planet by showing them the ways that we take care of the environment.
Growing fruits and vegetables in your early program learning space is a great way to help young children learn about caring for the environment. Even a small garden space, or an indoor area with potted plants, shows children that when we care for the earth and nurture growing plants, our planet provides nourishing and delicious foods for us to eat! Dr. Ruth Wilson, an educational consultant with a doctorate in early childhood and elementary education, describes this process: “A garden—whether in a window pot or plot of land—can help children empathize with the fragility of the environment through plants. As children learn about the wonder of seeds, the growth of tender new roots, and the need plants have for uncontaminated water, they will also learn about ecological perspective taking.”
Herbs such as mint, parsley, and basil can be grown in pots right inside your classroom. If you have space outdoors, you might try planting carrots, tomatoes, or berries – depending on the soil and how much sun your yard gets.
Stories about flowers, animals, trees, bugs, and more tap into children’s curiosity about the natural world, and offer wonderful opportunities to create meaningful conversations about our connection to nature. Books that include stories about children caring for the planet enable little ones to recognize the ways that they, too, interact with nature. As children explore and learn about their environment, they begin to develop a relationship with nature and a sense of connection and care for our planet.
A few books you might enjoy sharing with young children include…
Children are fascinated by the insects, animals, and plant life they find in their everyday environment. You can build on this interest, by pointing out the way the individual elements of nature strengthen one another – such as the food that plants and seeds provide to animals, the way worms and other insects improve the health of the soil, and the homes animals find in trees and underground.
Invite little ones to get outside with binoculars or magnifying glasses to explore and observe nature up close. You might also go for a nature walk or scavenger hunt to invite them to discover the variety of colors, shapes, and textures in your outdoor space. These simple activities will deepen children’s understanding of the planet and help them to feel a sense of empathy towards its wellbeing.
