At Palacio de Granda, we offer a wide range of activities through which our students learn the values connected with ecology. The importance of environmental education Environmental education should be part of the curriculum in Early Years and Primary School. Future generations have the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. If children learn at school that they can have a positive impact on their surroundings, we will be helping them become more aware and take global warming seriously. The best way to teach environmental values is through immersive activities that allow children to appreciate the value of nature and understand the influence we can have on everything around us. Children can play a part in reducing the effects of global warming, and both schools and families have a responsibility to promote environmental education based on responsibility and positive habits. Environmental education activities in Primary School Among the environmental activities we can carry out, the following are particularly valuable. Growing plants at home Growing plants at home is one of the best ways to see how nature works. Many types of seeds take up very little space and require no special care beyond suitable soil and regular watering. Plants such as tomatoes allow children to care for living elements of nature. As they grow vertically, they also take up very little space. The most important part of this type of activity is helping pupils understand that nature is a living organism that is constantly evolving and changing, and that its development also depends on our daily responsibility. You could plant parsley, as we did with our youngest pupils in our Eco-School. Recycling Recycling is one of the most important habits when it comes to caring for the environment. Through recycling, we can reuse many of the materials we use every day and avoid the unnecessary consumption of resources. When we talk about recycling activities for Primary School and Early Years children, it is important to focus on two objectives. Firstly, younger students need to develop habits linked to sorting waste. They should also understand the recycling process itself and why it matters. Creating personalised recycling bins is a good idea. Using cardboard boxes, children can make their own recycling containers for paper, plastic and other reusable materials. Visiting a recycling centre can also help pupils understand the benefits of these processes and discover the procedures commonly involved. Building nests Environmental education activities should also include interaction with native wildlife. Building bird nests is very simple: all that is needed is a fixed base on which children can place a birdhouse, feeder or water dish. What matters is that pupils can see the connection between our actions and the daily lives of the animals around us. When our actions are positive, their impact can be positive too. Cuttings Cuttings are another way to learn how nature works. A cutting is part of a plant’s stem, leaf or root that is placed in soil so it can grow independently. One of the greatest concerns linked to climate change is deforestation. Through activities such as planting cuttings, younger pupils can learn that there are different ways to help nature reproduce. Environmental trips Outdoor activities are an important part of environmental education. Every ecosystem has its own characteristics and can teach children specific aspects of nature, which is why countryside walks can be highly educational. During environmental trips, it is important for pupils to receive detailed information and discover the richness of their immediate surroundings. Recycled toys Recycled toys are also a practical way to discover the benefits of reusing materials. Making toys from materials we already have at home is not only good for the environment, it is also a creative activity that allows children to personalise the toys they use every day. Cardboard and plastic items such as bottles can be used to create all kinds of personalised toys. Eco-friendly cooking Ecology also has a place in the kitchen. We are increasingly aware of how important it is to teach children the foundations of nutrition, and learning to choose natural, organic products should be part of this process. Younger children love cooking. They are always keen to help and enjoy creating their own recipes. Organic food should be a familiar part of their daily lives, helping them understand its benefits.
