Our journey at Little Earth (3) - The tribe

Tawa Montessori Preschool is the first early childhood Silver Award Enviroschool in the Wellington region. We are very proud that our new sister school, Little Earth, has joined the list of Silver Enviroschools. Being an Enviroschool and becoming part of their tribe, is an important part of our programme at both our preschools.

The Enviroschools programme is well set out with guiding principles and key areas to support us in our teaching. As an Enviroschool we strive to integrate education for sustainability into the whole school culture, guided by five principles*:

1. Children are empowered to participate in a genuine way from their own unique and creative perspective.

2. Children are engaged in the physical, social, cultural and political aspects of our local and global environment

3. Maori perspectives and knowledge are included in the learning process to offer insights unique to the culture wit the longest history of human interaction with this country.

4. Respect for the diversity of people and cultures is integrated to achieving a sustainable environment in New Zealand - one that is fair, peaceful and co-operative.

5. Children are part of a sustainable community that acts in ways that nurture people and nature, now and in the future.

The purpose of the programme is to integrate sustainability into our whole preschool community. We strive to make sustainability an integral part of what we do throughout our preschool. An important part of this is the involvement of the wider community, parents and whanau who share their knowledge and wisdom. A community which works intergenerational, people teaching and learning together. A place that is participatory, involving the children and engaging them in the daily life of the preschool. Giving the children a sense of purpose, inspiring them to be creative and become competent to make their own decisions.

The Enviroschools programme incorporates four key areas*:

1. People and Participation - Tangata
People work collaboratively, are reflective of our bicultural heritage and the diversity of their community. They ensure that they are all involved in sharing decisions to become confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners.

2. Programmes - Kaupapa Ako
Programmes focus on learning about the interaction between people and the environment and developing attitudes and behaviours for a more sustainable future. Through taking action children discover why sustainability matters and how to make sustainability a reality in their school and wider community.

3. Practices - Tikanga
Sustainable practices are part of school culture instigated by children and staff to make a more resilient community for the future.

4. Place - Wahi
A place is created where children and their community work together willingly to reduce their impact on the planet for future generations to enjoy the diverse and beautiful world we live in.

Our local Enviroschools facilitator, with the support of our local green gardener, have supported us greatly with their knowledge and expertise. They have facilitated workshops, huis, and clustermeetings. In our journey of becoming a sustainable preschool community at Little Earth, being part of a tribe like Enviroschools is invaluable.
- Anja

* from Enviroschools handbook 2009 

Links:
-  Our journey at Little Earth (1) - The start 
-  Our journey at Little Earth (2) - The process
-  Our journey at Little Earth (3) - The tribe