Early childhood education has a strong focus on nature play and natural materials. However, interaction with processed materials (including plastic) is just as important.
The National Quality Standard (NQS) requires childcare services to "engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments" (3.2.1). The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) also specifies the use of both natural and processed materials (4.4).
Processed materials include:
Building materials, ceramics, foam, glass, metal, leather, paper and cardboard, plastics, rubber, synthetic liquids and oils, and synthetic fibre and textiles.
Learning experiences
Investigate processed materials
Provide children with man-made materials as loose parts so they can engage in STEM learning. Talk to children about their differences in:
- size, shape, colour, and texture
- dimensions and weight
- properties like strength, water resistance, elasticity, buoyancy, conductivity, translucency and gloss.
Recycle
A child's interest in processed materials offers an excellent opportunity to teach them about recycling. Children can learn to identify different materials and sort them into their appropriate bins. Support children in investigating how and why materials are turned into new products.
Reduce the impact of plastic
Jane Ting is the author of a children's book series that promotes sustainability, Zac's Happy Planet. She believes there is an ideal message for educators to send to children about plastic: “Think first!”
“Try to avoid it when possible or use an alternative. For example, always use a refillable drink bottle and avoid using single-use plastics which take time and energy to make for just one use.
“Yes it can potentially be recycled but this takes time, money and energy. We can potentially avoid this cycle.
“Unfortunately plastic lasts forever. It is not compostable so if it gets into the environment, land and seas it can have a negative effect, like sealife mistaking it for food.”
Resources
Websites
National Geographic Kids: All about plastic
Picture books
- A Bag And A Bird by Pamela Allen
- Zac's Happy Planet by Jane Ting
Music
Teeny Tiny Stevies: Plastic