Patty Born Selly

Patty Born Selly

is the founder of an educational consulting company that provides teacher training and support for science, nature, and sustainability education initiatives. Patty also is an adjunct faculty member at two universities in the Twin Cities, where she teaches classes on nature and environmental education, as well as science education, to early childhood and elementary school teachers. She has taught preschoolers, kindergartners, and elementary school students at the Science Museum of Minnesota, in child care centers nature centers, and in other educational settings. Patty holds a master's degree in natural sciences and environmental education, and a.doctorate in education. She is an assistant professor at a university in St Paul, MN

Patty's Top Five Suggestions For Teaching Children About The Environment

Practice Joy! Happiness and safety are at the root of everything, and a love for nature comes from joyful, secure feelings outside. Have fun and enjoy the nature world.

Model positive behaviors. Recycle, conserve water, and be mindful of your own habits. As early childhood educators know, our own behaviors send the most powerful messages. Let the children see you being sensitive to the environment through your actions, and it will normalize the behavior.

Start small. You don't have to (nor can you!) solve the world's environmental problems singlehandedly. It can be overwhelming to try to do too much at one time. And most educators can't completely overhaul their entire program in one fell swoop. Pick one thing to begin with. For example, encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle instead of using disposable cups. It may feel like a small step, but it's a step in the right direction.

Share your successes! Be vocal about what you're doing and the ways in which you and your program are practicing the art of being green. There are many shades of green, so find what works for your program and broadcast it loud and clear. This is a great way to build support among staff and families.

Go outside. Simply put, young children want to know and love the environment and many have a deep desire to be its caretakers. Go outside, and go often. Listen to children. Let them show you what they love in nature. Listen to their ideas about how to care for the planet. They have a lot to share with us!