GEKA Bentleigh East

The Child's Voice

Early Childhood Educator, Rina Shah

As a part of our program, we always encourage children to look after the environment by planting more plants, different activities for environmental sustainability and lots of learning experiences regarding kindness, respect and embracing a multicultural environment. 

We reflect the notion that nurturing a child’s connection to nature will develop in them, a love of nature and a commitment to look after the earth and the world they live in. There is a big connection here between our multicultural environment and sustainability. Looking after the environment means not only looking after the land in the country you live in, but it also means looking after the lands of all the countries that make up the world. It is important for us to develop a child’s ability to embrace differences and respect cultural diversity. 

For sustainability to work we need to work together as one world to care for the whole earth. We embed into the program, experiences that reflect these values and show children how to do this on a daily basis. I have no doubt that you already ask your children how they feel about things, about their needs and their play. 

The question is “Why is it so important to ask children directly about their ideas on caring for the environment?” It's important to give children a voice to promote self-esteem and self-worth. By asking children their opinion, feelings and emotions, children develop and learn that they are important and valued. If they feel valued themselves, they are most likely to turn their value and respect to others. Looking after others, will also connect to the ability to look after the world they live in. 

As an early childhood educator, I think we can learn so many things from children. Last week at GEKA Bentleigh East Kindergarten, I spent time with a small group of children and asked them “What they think they need to do to look after our world for future generations?” They really surprised me with their responses. 

Here are some of our children’s voices:

Isla: Look after birds and sea animals by not using plastics.

Kelian: Put the rubbish in right bins.

Mikayla: Do not cut the trees please and plant more trees.

Ted: By cleaning and putting rubbish away.

Oliver: Use your papers wisely because we need to cut so many trees to make papers.

John: Do not let plants die.

Carla: We should clean our surrounding.

I was impressed by the children’s responses. I have a good faith and pride that the children are developing a good understanding of the care needed to look after the earth. Our program and practices support children to be good citizens and to guide them to make informed choices. It is a privilege to be a part of their learning and I am very confident that they will become great leaders and protect our world.