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Ways to Encourage Environmental Citizenship at Your School

Ways to Encourage Environmental Citizenship at Your School

Fostering a connection between children and the natural world is more important now than ever before. If you’re looking for easy ways to encourage pupils at your school or early-years setting to become enthusiastic about the environment and its care, here are five practical and enjoyable steps you can take:

  • Take Your Curriculum Outdoors

Incorporate outdoor activities into your lessons, using the natural environment as a dynamic teaching resource. Bringing subjects to life outdoors helps children make real-world connections. For example, when teaching about the water cycle, consider outdoor activities such as measuring rainfall, watering plants, or allowing children to experiment with water freely, without the worry of creating a mess indoors and the children can be sheltered from the weather with a school canopy but still be able to experience the outside

  • Lead by Example

Children learn best by observing adults who model positive behaviour. Promote environmental responsibility by setting up recycling points around the school, actively supporting initiatives like Walk to School Week, and ensuring nutritious, eco-friendly meal options are readily available during lunchtimes. Your leadership will inspire children to adopt similar habits.

  • Involve Parents and Carers

Extend environmental learning beyond the school gates by actively involving parents and carers. Share regular newsletters or factsheets that summarise key topics being taught, alongside ideas and activities that families can enjoy together at home. This involvement helps reinforce lessons learnt in class and creates a broader community committed to environmental care.

  • Make Environmental Action Fun

Boost engagement by adding elements of competition and reward to environmental initiatives. Organise eco-themed competitions, litter-picking challenges, or campaigns that celebrate students who demonstrate exceptional environmental awareness. Making sustainability fun encourages ongoing participation and helps build lasting habits.

  • Bridge the Gap Between Indoors and Outdoors

Whenever possible, consider teaching portions of your lessons outside to blend indoor learning with outdoor experiences seamlessly. If your classroom opens directly onto outdoor spaces, make full use of this valuable resource. To increase usability year-round, consider installing a robust shade or shelter structure. Such a canopy ensures children can comfortably learn and play outdoors in various weather conditions, from rain showers to hot sunny days.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily teaching practice, you’ll inspire pupils to become responsible, environmentally aware citizens who value and care for the world around them.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures
at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round
Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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