Environmental Stewardship

Caring for the environment extends character education beyond interpersonal relationships.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
• Learning area: Understanding the World
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Care for classroom and school environment
• Understand environmental responsibility
• Complete environmental care projects

Materials

• Environmental care supplies
• Project planning tools

Instructions

Discuss responsibility for our shared spaces and planet. Complete environmental care projects: cleaning up outdoor spaces, caring for classroom plants, reducing waste. Connect environmental care to character traits like responsibility and care.

Educator tip

Make environmental care regular, not just a one-time project.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe environmental care behaviours and connection to character.

More from EYFS Champions of Character

• Positive Self-Talk Practice
• Cooperative Game Design
• Boundary Setting
• Media Kindness Critics
• Celebrating Effort Over Outcome
• Conflict Prevention Strategies
• Character Strengths Showcase
• Character Biography Project