Sustainability in the Early Years

The Challenges Teachers Face

There are many challenges teachers face when implementing and embedding sustainability into their Early Years practice, yet the science speaks for itself - by weaving this knowledge into our teachings, children will become better equipped at creating a greener, more balanced world.

We know about the growing global movement and the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (also known as The Global Goals). The world’s leaders have forged their signatures on the agreement. We all believe in its value.

So, how can we bring sustainability into our Early Years provision?

The area is very much misunderstood and unsupported. A teaching minefield! Luckily, in the Early Years, the ways in which children engage with the environment, through discovering, playing and actively learning remain a wonderful foundation and springboard.

What we can do

• Recycle and reduce
• Encouraging children to bring in a zero waste packed lunch.
• Set up a recycling point in class.
• Make them aware of reusable materials - paper, sand, biodegradable glitter.
• Simple changes - big impact.

Slowly embrace the move to natural

• Plastic is on the world’s agenda.
• Avoiding single use plastic.
• Natural objects have textures and are interesting.
• Less is more.
• Use nature to excite and engage.
• Can our classroom displays be more natural and conscious?
• Create fascinating displays that bring nature inside, using recycled backings, a natural palette.
• Giving children designated spaces.
• Make a game of collecting unwanted plastic - recycle and use charity shops.

Use the Global Goals as a Guide

• The Global Goals don’t have to be daunting - choose one to focus on each term.
• For example, Global Goal 2 - Zero hunger.
• Part of our role as teachers is to translate these global expectations into real things children understand.
• Start with a question and see where it takes you.

Have you ever been hungry?

• Allow children to take the lead and provide the scaffolding, the methods they choose to investigate this.
• Start a Global Goals working group in school, and see if you can meet all 17.
• Save time planning at the weekend by using the Earth Cubs packs, resources and lesson plans - they are inspired by The Global Goals and weave sustainability into many creative topics.

Ask and involve your friends

• Visit other settings and share good practice with colleagues.
• Bring up the topic at your next cluster meetings.
• Set goals - termly and yearly.
• Small changes - big impact.
• Link with other settings that are driving to become more sustainable, giving children real experiences with community cohesion.

Growing projects

• Growing your own produce is an incredible way for children to understand where their food comes from. What could be better than getting wellies on and digging up veggies to eat that they planted!
• Projects like "I can grow" from the RHS school of gardening will give tips on how to create your own growing project.
• Start with simple modifications to your class and own teaching style.
• Give children access to formal and informal opportunities to develop their knowledge, and understanding of sustainability.

Check out the free Earth Cubs resources for more ideas!free Earth Cubs resources for more ideas!