Edible School Gardens

Walking the Talk, QECSN workshops day 17th September

Presentation Synopsis

The power for change- using an ecological foot-print tool: Julie and Lyndal will jointly present some recent research which investigated the use of an ecological footprint tool with preservice early childhood teachers. The students responses to their engagement with the calculator illustrated the power of such strategies for encouraging people to reflect on the sustainability of their lifestyles,

Sustainability in Swedish preschools: Through her work in teacher education at the Mälardalen University, Eva became interested in children’s agency, learning and understanding in relation to  sustainable development. Her presentation will discuss sustainability in a Swedish context.

Early Childhood education for sustainability in Japan: Michico will talk about her perspective on, and support for early childhood centres to adopt education for sustainability.

Modifying playgrounds to create more opportunities for play in natural environments and incorporating sustainable practices in your centre: Melindi and Margaret, both practicing early childhood teachers, will share their experiences and ideas to help you achieve sustainable changes in your centres.

Organic Gardening – Connecting children: Leonie, author of Eat your garden: Organic gardening for home and school, will talk about her work and experiences with school communities and early childhood centres to inspire children and adults alike to engage in organic gardening. She will also demonstrate practical examples of work that can be done with young children such as worm towers, potting up, types of seeds to plant and games.

After the Audit : Fleur spoke of her work in ecological auditing of early childhood centres at the September workshop day in 2010. She will discuss outcomes from these audits and the impacts of proposed intitatives such as carbon tax, and waste management levies on centres.

Working with Native Bees: Native stingless bees have become popular as an interest in schools and kindergartens interested in gardening. Robert will discuss the value of bees, and demonstrate how to establish and maintain a hive and extract some of the honey (Sugarbag).

Downloadable "QECSN Walking The Talk Program" PDF

QECSN workshops day  Leonie Shanahan     

17th September      Walking the Talk,

1.15-2.15     Organic gardening : connecting children    


Organic Gardening – Connecting children: Leonie, author of Eat your garden: Organic gardening for home and school, will talk about her work and experiences with school communities and early childhood centres to inspire children and adults alike to engage in organic gardening. She will also demonstrate practical examples of work that can be done with young children such as worm towers, potting up, types of seeds to plant and games.