Love and respect for nature is a positive and necessary attitude towards the environment and living beings. It connects us with the natural world and reminds us of reality: our dependence on it.
One of the most important and necessary values we can teach children is the love for nature. In this way and without forcing it, they will become aware of the importance of taking care of the environment and respecting the nature surrounding them when they are older.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TEACH THEM TO RAISE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS?
Biodiversity protection
The environment is home to various plants and animals, and their preservation is essential to maintain biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Improved quality of life
A healthy environment can improve people’s quality of life by providing fresh air, clean water, and nutritious food.
Prevention of natural disasters
Respect for the environment can help prevent natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and storms, which can cause serious damage to health and property.
Education for the future
Teaching children to respect the environment is important to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Teaching the value of love for nature to the little ones is a way to guarantee that when they grow up, they will continue to respect the environment. Conveying the importance of caring for the environment is essential to maintain a balance in nature and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
HOW CAN CHILDREN BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT?
Teaching children the value of loving nature and caring for the environment is best done in a fun way. In general, it is important for children to experience nature in person so that they learn to respect and appreciate it.
Through exploration, curiosity, and participation in sustainable activities, you can help young children develop a love and respect for nature. The EACNUR website has published a list, drawn up by the World Association of Early Childhood Educators (WEA), of 10 rules for children to put into practice to protect their environment.
From your healthy platform, we also want to give you some ideas to encourage children to take care of the environment:
To make them understand, you can compare the environment to a house and explain that it is important to keep it clean and tidy to make it a pleasant place to live.
You can involve them in hands-on activities, such as planting a garden or picking up trash in the park, to help them understand how their behavior can affect the environment.
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Ecological books and toys
Read them some books or show them eco-friendly toys that teach them about the importance of the environment and how to take care of it.
Talk to them about your own actions to protect the environment, such as turning off lights when you leave a room or recycling, to help them understand how their behavior can have a positive impact.
Take them to explore nature in person, whether it’s a nearby park, a botanical garden, or a walk in the woods. Let them experience the beauty and diversity of nature for themselves.
Encourage them to ask questions about nature and answer their questions patiently and in a way, they can understand. For example, during a nature walk, explain to them about the different plants and animals you encounter along the way.
Participate in sustainable activities with the children, such as recycling, gardening, and garbage collection. Show them how their actions can make a positive contribution to the environment.
Instill a deep respect for nature, teaching them that all living beings deserve to be treated with care and consideration.