Eric.ed.gov – “Growing Up WILD”: Teaching Environmental Education in Early Childhood

A growing body of research, both nationally and internationally, indicates that children in the early childhood years (birth to age 8) learn primarily through their senses and from direct experience. They develop an understanding about the world through play, exploration, and creative activities as well as by watching and imitating adults and other children. “Growing Up WILD” (2010) is a large format book that promotes teacher efficacy with 27 developmentally appropriate activities, yet gives educators the flexibility to modify activities to meet the needs of children at different age levels and learning stages. The authors describe the contents of the resource as it presents a wide range of options for a variety of classroom strategies: small group, whole group, centers, pair and individual work, plus teachable moments that encourage child-initiated learning experiences. Activities allow opportunities for learning through play by integrating environmental science with literacy, math, and art. Social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive domains are involved as students participate in hands-on experiences that are particularly effective in early childhood settings. Included in the article is a summary of activities that align with the NAAEE guidelines for teaching environmental education concepts, as well as the Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence, and addresses the Head Start Outcomes.