Small World Christian Kindergarten is committed to leading our learners to a more sustainable future. We aim to develop a sense of awareness about the environment in a meaningful way for  young children. As part of their international learning, we embed sustainable habits and practices in the classroom, whilst emphasizing the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing. To keep it simple, we often repeat the slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” and look for accessible practices for the students to begin their sustainable journey. 

The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) used at Small World has thematic units such as Ocean Treasures and The World Around Us  which offer many ways for the children to learn and to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability practices in the classroom are also intentionally linked to IEYC’s personal goals such as “respect” and “international mindedness.” Ahead of Earth Day, the school recently launched a recycling program through a recycle/reuse collection station on campus. Children, parents, and staff can drop off any clean, dry, recyclable items such as tissue boxes, tissue rolls, bottles, caps, buttons, etc. These materials will be placed and offered in the classroom for children to use in their artwork which, hopefully, will find their way back to the children’s homes. 

Students, parents, staff and other community members are encouraged to bring their own reusable cutlery and containers for lunch and snack time, and whenever they attend a school event that involves food and/or beverages. For example, at our annual “Taste of Culture” event, families gather to share and experience different cuisines from around the world, and we aim to raise awareness about sustainability by asking everyone to bring their own cutlery and containers.

Our campus has a beautiful outdoor garden which provides many opportunities for the children to appreciate nature through their play and learning. Whilst exploring outdoors, the children are enquiring more about God and his creation, thoughtfully considering how to care for the environment. Children are often seen in the garden, tending and caring, observing and enquiring about their growing plants, herbs, and flowers. With the teachers’ and children’s nurturing hands, Small World is developing into a delightfully greener and sustainable environment.