Fostering a love of the environment is critical for moulding students who are aware of and comfortable in the natural world. Environmental education allows children to view themselves within the larger context of the world, as one aspect of a complex ecosystem, which contrary to common belief is not human centred.

Children are given the opportunity to learn nurturing behaviours in an environment which promotes their physical health and growth while also developing important motor skills. Children learn important knowledge in the classroom but they also thrive when separated from the imposed structure and artificial environment; it is not enough to simply bring plants and the natural world into the class, it is imperative that children also spend time learning while immersed in nature. The joy of planting,nurturing and harvesting a garden is an experience which cannot be replicated within a classroom. Outside dirt can be manipulated by small curious hands, worms, bugs and bees will find a natural home and have their own special place in the child’s observations. The outdoor environment invites exploration because of its beauty and provides a bounty of workable materials and meaningful lessons.

• environment
• nature
• observe
• outdoors
• pedagogy