Program Shows That From Littlies Big Things Grow

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday March 11, 2008

By MATTHEW KELLY

IT'S never too early to start learning about energy conservation and environmental responsibility at Hunter TAFE.

The institute's Newcastle campus child-care centre, Carinya, is leading the way with a program that introduces children to energy and water conservation, sustainable growth and recycling as part of their daily activities.

The program is the brainchild of early childhood teacher Rachael Kinsella, who produced a booklet Greening services: Practical sustainability for Early Childhood Australia.

The 26-page booklet has become a blueprint for environmental education in childhood centres across Australia.

Daily activities at Carinya include worm farming, composting and making recycled paper.

Toys made from recycled objects are used in the centre's sandpit.

"It's embedded into our program so the children are doing something every day involving practical sustainability," Ms Kinsella said.

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