Now more than ever, it is of the upmost importance that we foster sustainability for children. The banning of plastic bags from supermarkets, the cultural shift towards upcycling and repurposing and our renewed focus on the environment means that our children are well on their way to becoming the eco-warriors of the next generation.
Little Scholars places a lot of importance on the need to create a sustainable world. It is at the very core of our curriculum – particularly our Small Green Steps Program. We recycle our resources, conserve our water and practice energy efficiency. Our cleaning products are made from natural ingredients and come straight from organic sources. The gorgeous campuses made of sustainable material blend effortlessly with our breath-taking natural surrounds and we ensure there is a little of the environment within everything we do.
Sustainability for children at home and school
These are lessons that you can take home with you as well. Sustainability in early learning can very easily become sustainability in the home. Here are some ideas for embracing these concepts on your own property.
Sustainable activities for your toddler at home
Monkey see, monkey do
Allow your toddler to take part in the recycling activities that you do as part of your time with them. When it is time for the weekend shop, ask them to collect your green bags and put them in the boot of the car. During shopping, talk them through your choices and try to stay away from the over-use of plastic wrapping.
Get down and dirty
Not really a green thumb? That doesn’t matter. What does matter is allowing your child to become involved in planting and gardening. Little Scholars has woven gardening into the curriculum. Continuing the message at home is an ideal introduction to sustainability for little ones. Vegetables on an apartment balcony, flowers in a window sill – doesn’t matter. Choose the plant, tend to the plant, watch it grow. You might just be planting the seed of sustainability that could last a lifetime.
Let’s make it work
Put a stop to ‘throw away’ culture in your house. Ask your child to collect any old or unwanted toys and take them to the Op Shop together. Take a drab old bookshelf and paint it crazy colours to give it a new life. Turn ripped and torn old shirts into cleaning cloths, dress up clothes or crazy headbands.
At Little Scholars, we believe that sustainability in childcare is an important stepping stone towards creating environmentally aware citizens of the future. Find out how our program incorporates sustainability for children and much, much more.
