What do children have to say about their environment?
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In this episode Dawn Jones shares findings on a project closely working with children in gaining their reflections on spaces and places within shared worlds. In this 1st episode and article, in the 3-part series, Dawn shares how the findings relate to sustainable development goals, and poses some of the following reflections and questions:

• Co-collaboration on learning can lead to so many more avenues around sustainability beyond the ‘3 R’s’.
• Children value quiet spaces and time to think...
• We have too much of a harsh approach of rushing our children…
• Are we brave enough to listen to children?
• Children can be far more engaged through an open and flexible approach

Read Dawn’s article: What do children have to say about their environment? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-do-children-have-to-say-about-their-environment/ ) Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode you might also like: Education for social sustainability through sociodramatic play with Carmela Garcia Manas - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contributors/carmela-garcia-manas/) The therapeutic nature of the outdoors with Jenny Smillie - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/) Episode break down: 00:00 – Listening to the voices of Reception aged children 02:00 – Top level findings of the research 04:30 – Recognising and following the child’s knowledge 06:00 – Children’s understanding of complex issues around sustainability 08:20 – The same findings across different schools 10:00 – A less ‘hurried space’ was a recurring theme 12:00 – We make children do too much waiting 12:45 – Slow pedagogy and children as co-researchers 18:00 – Are we brave enough to step back and not intervene? 22:00 – Being an innovative and open-minded educator 23:00 – Harness children’s curiosity, awe and wonder and embed this into the curriculum 24:30 – Consider the language you use – is it helpful? 27:30 – Experiences vs activities 29:15 – Linking research to practice 32:30 – ‘Fanning the sparks of wonderful practice’ 34:00 – Upcoming episodes – behaviour charts and methodological tools 35:00 – Summary of the episode For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com)