Abstract

This article examines the importance of education for sustainability in New Zealand early years curriculum with particular reference to its inclusion in Te Wh[ a m a c r ] riki, the national early childhood curriculum. Fieldwork was conducted across two New Zealand early childhood centres during a 12 month period. The major finding was that there is a need for education for sustainability to become an integral part of Te Wh[ a m a c r ] riki, and should be incorporated as a core value within early childhood curriculum. This will ensure it becomes a part of everyday practice within early childhood centres in New Zealand. Children have a natural connectedness with nature. Moreover, as children are the decision-makers of the future, the values of sustainable living need to be instilled at an early age through an integrated early years curriculum. Furthermore, through curriculum-based learning experiences and modelling by teachers and parents, children can begin to take the first steps on a lifelong journey of sustainability.

Metadata