Supporting children to care for the natural world from a young age is vital for our future communities. Much of children’s environmental education happens through observation and role-modelling.
At Ambrose Early Years Education, educators are dedicated to teaching through hands-on activities designed to ignite children’s curiosity and nurture their sense of environmental responsibility. This approach to learning about sustainable practices aligns with the Catholic Church’s Laudato Si’ encyclical released by Pope Francis in 2015, which calls for adopting a sustainable lifestyle in response to global needs.
With the support of a newly created Sustainability Network Group, the Ambrose early learning team collaborate on ideas, sharing their passion and enthusiasm, which significantly influences the children.
“Children are inspired by their educators’ enthusiasm and love participating in hands-on experiences,” said Natalie Bugelli, Director of Holy Family Early Learning Emerton and head of the Sustainability Group.
The children at Our Lady Queen of Peace Early Learning in Greystanes have been busy supporting the tiniest garden visitors by creating Bee Watering Stations. Introduced and guided by Educator and Service Sustainability Leader, Carmel De Bono, the children set up small dishes filled with colourful rocks and gems, which they carefully fill with water. These stations attract bees and insects, providing them with a safe place to drink without the risk of getting their wings wet.
“This encourages children to respect the environment and all creatures God created, even if they are small and can sometimes be dangerous,” Service Director Narelle Bolton explained.
“Caring for our environment instils kindness, respect, love and joy for the world around us.”
At St John XXIII Early Learning in Stanhope Gardens, children have been learning how to nurture the plants in their garden using coffee grounds generously donated by a local McDonald’s.