Environmental Education is Essential for Children

“The kind of attention it takes to learn from the world is this really open and awake listening…looking at beings with the notion that the way they live can be a lesson to us.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Exposure to education plays a major role in shaping who people become. School helps children explore their interests and understand their place in the natural world. Teaching environmental education at a young age is especially important, as it helps children recognize how they connect to society, science, and culture.

Environmental education also shows that nature is more than what we see on the surface. Humans are deeply interconnected with the natural world, which is essential for all life on Earth. However, access to environmental education often depends on where someone lives. Students in environmentally diverse regions, such as Alaska or Hawaii, may have more opportunities for outdoor learning. In contrast, children in urban areas like New York City may need additional support to access these experiences in the classroom.

Teachers support student creativity through engaging environmental lesson plans. With the necessary access, students can explore environmental topics both inside and outside the classroom in meaningful ways. These experiences encourage hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Eco-education also helps students build a stronger connection to the natural world, making learning more relevant and engaging. Over time, this can inspire students to become more environmentally aware and responsible in their everyday lives.

Canva + Affinity works to draw attention to the environment in a digitally creative and methodical way. Environmental lesson plans created in Canva will help children make environmentally cautious decisions for years to come.