Dr Kay McCrann's methodology in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for early childhood focuses on integrating creative practices, like embodied drawing to foster environmental awareness. Her approach emphasises experiential learning, encouraging young children to connect 'within' nature, and understand sustainability through artistic and sensory experiences. 

Before, during and after watching the video below, please consider the following provocations to help inspire you when developing your own Activity Plan for children in your setting and culture:

Provocation 1:

English: "How can you use local natural materials and landscapes to inspire creative learning activities that connect children with their immediate environment and cultural heritage?"

Indonesian: "Bagaimana Anda dapat menggunakan bahan alam dan bentang alam lokal untuk menginspirasi kegiatan pembelajaran kreatif yang menghubungkan anak-anak dengan lingkungan dan warisan budaya mereka yang segera?"

Provocation 2:

English: "Imagine a day in the life of a child exploring their outdoor space. How can you integrate elements of play, art, and nature to teach them about sustainability in a way that resonates with their daily experiences?"

Indonesian: "Bayangkan sehari dalam kehidupan anak yang menjelajahi ruang luar mereka. Bagaimana Anda dapat mengintegrasikan elemen permainan, seni, dan alam untuk mengajarkan mereka tentang keberlanjutan dengan cara yang sejalan dengan pengalaman sehari-hari mereka?"

Provocation 3:

English: "Reflect on traditional ecological practices and stories from your culture. How can these be incorporated into early childhood education to foster a deeper connection and respect for the environment?"

Indonesian: "Refleksikan praktik ekologis tradisional dan cerita dari budaya Anda. Bagaimana ini dapat dimasukkan ke dalam pendidikan anak usia dini untuk mendorong koneksi yang lebih dalam dan rasa hormat terhadap lingkungan?"

With Special Thanks to Dr Kay McCrann

Kay's Website

Kay's PhD

and The children and staff at The Playroom Nursery and Pre-School, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Further References to explore Dr McCrann's work in greater depth:

Muhr, M. (2020). Beyond words - the potential of arts-based research on human-nature connectedness. Ecosystems and People, 16(1), 249 - 257. https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2020.1811379

Weldemariam, K. (2020). ‘Becoming with bees’: Generating affect and response-abilties with the dying bees in early childhood education. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 41(3) 391-406. https://doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2019.1607402

White, R.; Gunderman, H. (2021). Kindness and compassion for mutual flourishing in post-human worlds: Re-imagining our relationships with insects. Europe Now https://www.europenowjournal.org/2021/11/07/kindness-and-compassion-for-mutual-flourishing-in-post-human-worlds-re-imagining-our-relationships-with-insects/

van Dooren, T., Kirksey, E. and Münster, U. (2016). Multispecies studies: Cultivating arts of attentiveness. Environmental Humanities, 8(1) 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1215/22011919-3527695