Caring for self, others and the environment: A conversation with … (a) member(s) of the OMEP UK ESD team

The aim of this round table discussion will be to explore the significance of caring for self, others and the environment in the lives of young children. In OMEP UK we have been working on various aspects of Early Childhood... [ view full abstract ]

The aim of this round table discussion will be to explore the significance of caring for self, others and the environment in the lives of young children. In OMEP UK we have been working on various aspects of Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Development. We are interested in the types of practical activities and experiences that can promote young children’s self-awareness and wellbeing together with development of social values and respect for the environment. We are keen to discuss the importance of ESD with others, in order to develop further insights to guide our work. For this round table, we would welcome people who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences of nurturing children’s relationships with place and natural spaces. We will reflect on some of the following questions: What ways of being in a place or space are important for young children? How can children be supported to relate to one another and to adults within familiar and unfamiliar environments? How best can relationships with places and spaces be fostered? We would also like to explore how education for sustainable development can be promoted through relational pedagogy and means through which ESD can be implemented in daily practice. In what ways can children form and develop understandings and experiences based on their relationships with significant others and non-human living things? How are principles of ESD embedded in formal and informal settings? What is the importance of all this in building foundations for a sustainable future?