The role of nature and environmental education in different educational concepts

Nature and environmental education plays an important role in early childhood education. In this article we will look at the importance of nature and environmental education in different pedagogical concepts and show how these concepts include nature and the environment in the children's learning process.

1. forest and nature kindergartens

Forest or nature kindergartens focus their work on the children's direct contact with nature. In these daycare centres, the children spend most of the day outdoors and experience nature up close. Nature is used as a learning space and source of inspiration to awaken the children's interest in the environment and to promote their understanding of ecological interrelationships.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Direct contact with nature

• Nature as a learning space and source of inspiration

• Development of environmental awareness and ecological understanding

2. Montessori education

TheMontessori education emphasises that children explore their environment through sensory experiences and independent learning. Nature and environmental education plays an important role in Montessori education, as it offers children the opportunity to explore the natural world and develop a deeper understanding of ecological relationships.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Sensory experiences and exploration of the natural world

• Development of environmental awareness and ecological understanding

• Integrating natural materials into the learning process

3. reggio pedagogy

In theReggio Pedagogy the environment is seen as a "third educator" and plays a central role in the children's learning process. Nature and environmental education are therefore important aspects of Reggio education. The children are encouraged to explore nature, build their own relationship with the environment and develop creative projects that address ecological issues.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Environment as a "third educator

• Exploring nature and building their own relationship with the environment

• Creative projects with ecological relevance

4. Freinet pedagogy

The Freinet pedagogy places great emphasis on linking theory and practice and on learning in real life situations. Nature and environmental education are important aspects in Freinet's pedagogy, as they enable children to practically explore their natural environment and understand ecological connections.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Linking theory and practice

• Learning in real life situations

• Practical exploration of the natural environment

5 Fröbel pedagogy

The Fröbel pedagogy places great emphasis on play and the holistic development of the child. Nature and environmental education are important in Froebel's pedagogy as they help to give children an understanding of their environment and the laws of nature. Natural materials are often used in Froebel's pedagogy for play and learning activities.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Holistic development of the child

• Teaching environmental awareness and the laws of nature

• Use of natural materials for play and learning activities

6. open pedagogy of mindfulness

In the Open pedagogy of mindfulness mindfulness and the development of empathy play an important role. Nature and environmental education are important in this pedagogical approach as they help to promote children's mindfulness of their environment and develop their empathy for other living beings and nature.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Promoting mindfulness and empathy

• Development of environmental awareness and ecological understanding

• Experiencing nature as part of mindfulness practice

7. situation-oriented approach

Thesituational approach places emphasis on aligning learning with the children's interests and needs. Nature and environmental education are important in this approach as they enable children to engage with topics that interest them and are relevant in their everyday lives.

Role in nature and environmental education:

• Learning based on children's interests and needs

• Promoting environmental awareness and ecological understanding

• Dealing with topics relevant to everyday life

Conclusion

Nature and environmental education is a central component in many educational concepts. It helps to promote children's environmental awareness and ecological understanding and to give them the opportunity to actively explore their natural environment. The different concepts use different methods and focuses to integrate nature and environmental education into the children's learning process. It is important to recognise the role of nature and environmental education in early childhood education and to consider it as part of a holistic approach to promoting children's development and well-being.

Overall, it can be seen that nature and environmental education play an important role in different educational concepts. The different approaches have in common that they want to give children an understanding of their environment and the laws of nature and enable them to actively and practically engage with their surroundings. In doing so, they use different focal points and methods to support the children's learning process in the best possible way.

It is important to recognise the role of nature and environmental education in early childhood education and to consider it as part of a holistic approach to promoting children's development and well-being. By integrating nature and the environment into the children's learning process, they can better understand their environment, awaken their curiosity and develop an awareness of ecological connections and sustainability.