Dani Mubarok

Teacher

The environment is crucial for human life as it provides essential resources such as air, water, food, and shelter. However, it faces various threats, including environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change. Environmental education is a learning process aimed at enhancing public understanding and awareness of the importance of preserving the environment. This education can be extended to everyone, including early childhood.

The significance of early environmental education can be observed in several aspects:

1. Cognitive Aspect:

Early childhood is characterized by a high level of curiosity. Environmental education helps children develop their curiosity about the environment. Through environmental education, children can learn about various aspects of the environment, such as its components, interactions between environmental components, and the importance of environmental preservation.

2. Affective Aspect:

Children in their early years are experiencing emotional development. Environmental education aids in fostering positive emotions, such as love, compassion, and empathy toward the environment. Through environmental education, children can learn about the importance of preserving the environment and maintaining ecological balance.

3. Psychomotor Aspect:

Early childhood is a period of physical development. Environmental education contributes to the development of physical abilities, including fine and gross motor skills. Through environmental education, children can learn about various activities that contribute to environmental preservation, such as planting trees, collecting litter, and conserving water.

Based on these aspects, early environmental education provides several benefits:

1. Enhancing children’s understanding of the environment:

Children who receive early environmental education develop a better understanding of the environment, leading to increased care and appreciation for their surroundings.

2. Developing a caring and loving attitude toward the environment:

Children exposed to early environmental education are more likely to develop a caring and loving attitude toward the environment. This motivates them to actively participate in environmental preservation.

3. Developing environmentally friendly skills and habits:

Early environmental education equips children with skills and habits that promote environmental friendliness. This prepares them to contribute to environmental preservation in practical ways.

Early environmental education can be imparted through various activities, including:

1. Environmental exploration activities:

Children can be encouraged to explore their surroundings, such as parks, forests, or beaches. Through these activities, they can learn about various environmental components, including plants, animals, and water.

2. Storytelling activities:

Children can be told stories related to the environment, such as stories about animals, plants, or environmental conservation. Through storytelling, children can learn about the importance of preserving the environment.

3. Play activities:

Children can engage in play activities related to the environment, such as planting trees, collecting litter, or saving water. Through these activities, children can learn about various practices that contribute to environmental preservation.

Early environmental education is essential for shaping a generation that is environmentally conscious and caring.

Reference Sources:

Republic of Indonesia Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management

Ministry of National Education. (2007). Guidelines for the Implementation of Environmental Education in Elementary Schools

Mulyatno. (2018). Environmental Education from an Early Age in the Perspective of Y.B Mangunwijaya’s Liberation Theology. Obsession Journal: Journal of Early Childhood Education, 2(1), 119-132.