Education for Sustainability in the Nyitnikék Branch of Tiszafüred Kindergartens

Abstract

Our kindergarten operates as a municipal institution with six groups. The four groups of the Nyitnikék branch operate with a focus on environmental and nature-friendly practices. Our locality, Tiszafüred, boasts exceptional natural features, including the Tisza River, Lake Tisza, and proximity to the Hortobágy, all of which hold significant natural importance for residents and visitors alike. Introducing our natural and social values is of paramount importance in our kindergarten education. The foundations of sustainability education are enriched with activities and programs centred on our celebration of green themes. A prominent symbol in our pedagogical practice is the large green heart on the wall near the entrance, where kindergarten teachers display attention-grabbing images, writings, and posters. Each group has its own noticeboard with a medium-sized green heart, and during outings or festivals, we pin these hearts on the children’s clothing. Our green-themed days are celebrated at the kindergarten or group level. We value collectively experienced adventures and direct experiences. Under the “The Kindergarten Moves” program series, all four of our groups participate simultaneously in the activities. We involve parents in events to aid in changing their mindset. Our natural environment offers the best opportunities for marvelling at nature’s treasures through weekly excursions. Shared experiences strengthen the sense of community, so we strive to organize a variety of programs to enrich our kindergarten life. It is important for us to positively influence parents through their children. We are continuously expanding our jointly organized programs with families. In addition to our special days, our daily activities are continuously imbued with an environmentally conscious mind-set, helping our kindergarten children to grow into schoolchildren and later adults in a better, more liveable, and sustainable world. Positive feedback from our partners (parents, schools, sponsors) reflects changes in children’s environmental culture, knowledge, emotions towards nature, and environmentally conscious behaviours.