Resources
Tools & Inspiration for Sustainable Early Learning
Reading & Listening
Curated for Early Childhood Professionals
‘Sustainability from the Start’ Learning Modules
‘Sustainability from the Start’ is on the ECE Academy App (AppStore/Google Play) and offers eight learning modules around sustainability for early childhood educators. This was launched in September 2023 and is freely available in multiple languages. It was developed in collaboration with Kristianstad University, OMEP Europe and edChild.
Rights of the Child
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has just published a General comment No 26 (2023) on Children’s Rights and the Environment with a specific focus on climate change.
This Is Planet Ed
Launched in late 2022 by the Aspen Institute in the USA, This Is Planet Ed is a new initiative addressing education at all levels in the context of climate change. The program includes relevant speakers and content for early childhood education, providing insights and strategies to help educators engage children with sustainability and environmental learning.
The Mudbook: Nature Play Framework
The Mud Book: Nature Play Framework was created through the Queensland Government Horizon Project, Mapping Scientific Concepts through Nature Play in Early Childhood Education: Achieving Excellence in STEM through Evidence-Based Pedagogies. It is dedicated to the passionate educators and children who contributed their knowledge and insights, representing over 555 years of combined early childhood experience. Their commitment, creativity, and thoughtful reflections on nature play and scientific learning shaped this valuable resource.
The Mud Book offers a practical framework for educators seeking to engage children in meaningful nature play and support STEM learning through evidence-based approaches.
For more free resources, visit the Childhoodnature website.
QUT Podcasts
Recent panels from QUT’s Together in ECEC series explore sustainability and cultural inclusion in early childhood education. Episodes include Working Together for a Sustainable Future in Early Childhood Education and Care and Walking Together: Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in ECEC, shared by Lyndal O’Gorman.
https://research.qut.edu.au/childandfamily/learn-with-us/podcasts/
The Early Years Learning Hub Podcasts
We are delighted to share that our Convenor, Stephanie Willey, was recently interviewed by Jacqui Ward, Founder and Managing Director of the Early Years Learning Hub, in a special podcast episode exploring the many dimensions of sustainability in early childhood education.
In this insightful conversation, they discuss how sustainability goes far beyond worm farms and recycling bins. It is about using a sustainability lens to guide everyday decision making in our services. From curriculum choices and resource use to community connections and ethical leadership, the discussion offers practical and inspiring perspectives for educators seeking to embed sustainability meaningfully across all aspects of their practice.
Listen here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/39392db5-94d3-43a9-b188-7f6842abc413
Learning about Native Plants with Karen Sutherland
Learning about Native Plants with Karen Sutherland from Edible Eden Design. On her YouTube channel, Karen shares videos that offer practical insights into establishing and caring for native gardens.
Karen designed the Aquinas College’s Native Ingredient Trail in 2017, supplied many of the plants, and collaborated with teachers and students to plant the garden. She also created and installed educational interpretive signs, providing rich learning opportunities for students and visitors alike.
Visit her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@karensutherland-edibleeden1916