Description:

One of the most significant and easy starts to spark children’s intrigue of the environment is through the topic of animals and real-life interactions. (Read this article to find out why animals can be a significant part of children’s learning and development.) A way we can promote this, is by going on regular walks amongst wildlife and role-modelling a respectful relationship between humans and animals. By doing so we cultivate respect and appreciation for nature. The benefits are endless – these interactions help young people develop their senses through exploration and discovery and fosters creativity and imagination allowing children to practice and develop their language and social skills.

Promote learning by:

• Allowing children to observe animals in their natural environments and encouraging children to be inquisitive about flora and fauna.
• Empowering children to observe and share wildlife discoveries, by encouraging questions and conversations through venturing outside often.
• Asking children provocative questions that foster their imagination; for example, “what’s it like to be that bee?”.

Through empowering children to explore their environment, this lays the foundation for children to grow into environmentally responsible citizens and a sustainable future.