CONTACT WITH NATURE
Children who care for their environment and impact it positively
The next pillar we consider fundamental for the comprehensive development of children is contact with nature and the sustainable care of their environment.
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It is essential that the children who will be the leaders of tomorrow have contact with nature for several reasons. First, because by taking responsibility for caring for a plant, for example, children observe the gradual growth of the plant with patience, realize that if they don't give it water, the plant will wither, and this gives them a purpose and a daily goal; to water their little plant and see how it grows.
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Consequently, they develop interest, admiration, and love for their plant. They see it as something precious and valuable. It is a living being that now depends on them, and thus they learn to take responsibility for it. This point is very important in social development because it makes them aware of the world around them, and if they see the world around them as something valuable, they will not harm it.
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The same goes for contact with animals. If children care for an animal, they learn to take care of it, give it what it needs, respect it, and love it.
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It is also essential for children to become familiar with food processes. When a child grows their own fruit or vegetable in the garden, they become involved in the process from the fruit's growth until they eat it. They do the work and invest time in waiting for their fruit to grow, cutting it, washing it, and slicing it to finally eat it. They learn that food doesn't magically appear on their plate and become conscious of food, not wasting it.
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For these reasons, we decided to have a garden in our environment and take trips to forests and
farms.
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Also, by setting an example, we will raise awareness about water usage and the importance of recycling materials inside and outside the classroom.
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At the end of the day, the Earth is our home, and we must take care of it. This is something that is learned from a young age. By being in intimate contact with nature, children develop the awareness to care for their environment, appreciation for effort, patience, and responsibility. We aim to develop children who care for their environment and impact it positively.