I Protect My Environment, I Love My Future

Abstract

Within the scope of the education curriculum, environmental education is limited to in-class activities. The environmental constraints at the school's location hinder effective collaboration for sustainable environmental education involving students, families, and schools. In our study, we aimed to create a sustainable and effective environmental education process in line with our preschool curriculum by exploring environmental education methods used by institutions with environmental projects. This initiative aims to raise students' environmental awareness and promote socio-economic consciousness among families, aiding children in building a safer future. Primarily directed at preschool teachers, the project involves stakeholders including preschoolers, their families, school staff, and neighboring schools. Preschoolers' behaviors and attitudes towards recycling and zero waste practices will gauge the project's success. Evaluation methods will include observation, symbol recognition, and practical application techniquesThe preschool program targets the holistic development of 5 to 6-year-olds, focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and self-care skills tailored to children's needs and societal context. We'll create an action plan by integrating environmental education activities discovered during the project into our curriculum and cultural framework. Since the pre-school education curriculum provides a general framework, practicing teachers apply the curriculum achievements with the activities they determine on the subject. For this reason, the experience and alternative activities gained within the framework of the project activities can be easily integrated with the curriculum achievements and implemented within the prepared action plan. Within the scope of our project, raising awareness on environmental issues (recycling, zero waste, energy saving, etc.) through cognitive activities. Social-emotional activities foster a child's sense of belonging and responsibility towards their society. Our goal is for them to independently engage in environmental education practices.