SUSTAINABLE THINKING FOR EARLY LEARNERS AT MAPLE BEAR NURSERY

We look at five ways to teach little ones intuitive and eco-friendly habits with the environment in mind and why these ideas are important.

As educators, today we have a responsibility to teach students the importance of the environment, and also to make sure they are taught the necessary strategies needed to tackle the problems our planet faces. To thrive, 21st century students must be empowered to take on the challenges of the future.

We know that when it comes to environmental issues, human action and habits play a tremendous role. While the challenges may be monumental the good news is that we're never too young to build positive habits and to have a transformative impact on the planet.

Nida Hussain, Director of Marketing and Operations, Maple Bear Gulf Schools, looks at five things that Maple Bear nurseries are doing around the UAE to show the next generation the way to a more sustainable future.

UPCYCLING ARTS AND CRAFTS SUPPLIES

Not only is it great to extend the life cycle of the range of materials and supplies we use in the classroom, but we've found that it’s a wonderful way to get families engaged in the creative process in the classroom too. Each month, our teachers take time to organise scraps and match partially consumed supplies to ensure waste is minimised. We also ask parents to send in packaging and domestic cardboard waste that would otherwise be discarded. The students love the

process of creating a bespoke aesthetic, made even more special through the personal contribution they know their mom and dad have made to the project or the class.

SHOWING THE POWER IN POWER CONSERVATION