Young children and sustainable consumption: an early childhood education agenda
Date
2012
Authors
Nichols, S.
Editors
Lehmann, S.
Crocker, R.
Crocker, R.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Designing for zero waste: consumption, technologies and the built environment, 2012 / Lehmann, S., Crocker, R. (ed./s), Ch.3, pp.53-66
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Abstract
This chapter argues that sustainable consumption is an important and appropriate subjectfor young children’s learning. Challenges are identified, including the disciplinary boundaries of early childhood education (ECE), the desires of practitioners to protect children from consumer society, a lack of curriculum specification, and definitions of sustainable consumption that fail to acknowledge the interwoven nature of children’s needs and wants. An action research project involving preschool children is described.This project found that children value the continuity of significant objects and gain understandings of practices of conservation, reuse and redesign through families’ activities related to possessions. These are all concepts related to sustainability and highlight the potential of building on children’s values and experiences to promote learning about sustainable futures.
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Copyright 2012 Sue Nichols