Sustainable lifestyle
Sustainable living is taught in accordance with the curricula in Hämeenlinna’s early childhood and pre-primary education.
The aim of a sustainable lifestyle is to educate and guide children and young people in Hämeenlinna towards a sustainable and responsible way of life, appropriate for their age, deepening their skills year by year.
The sustainable lifestyle learning path guides the operational culture and pedagogy of Hämeenlinna’s early childhood, pre-primary, and basic education. Its purpose is to support children’s and pupils’ growth into eco-socially educated, responsible, and hopeful actors who understand the connection between their own actions and human well-being, nature’s carrying capacity, and a sustainable future.
The sustainable lifestyle learning path is reflected in the daily life of early childhood and pre-primary education through small, meaningful actions and shared practices. The goal is to raise children to be community members who care for their environment, other people, and their own well-being.
Local nature and the immediate environment are an important part of learning. Children’s connection to nature is strengthened by going on excursions, observing seasonal changes, and exploring natural phenomena in their everyday surroundings. At the same time, they learn to appreciate nature and understand the significance of a sustainable lifestyle.
Daily life involves practising working together, respecting others, and taking responsibility for the shared environment. Children participate, for example, in sorting, recycling, reusing materials, and saving energy and water. A sustainable lifestyle is also promoted through food and nutrition education by valuing food and reducing food waste.
Sustainability is also examined from a well-being perspective. Movement is encouraged, where possible, by walking, cycling, and utilising the opportunities offered by the local environment. Children are encouraged to consider their own choices and means of influence, and to participate in developing a shared operational culture.
The sustainable lifestyle learning path is built in cooperation with guardians and local actors. This collaboration enriches learning and helps children become familiar with the cultural and ecological diversity of their own area, as well as practices that build a sustainable future.
Activities are continuously developed together with children, guardians, and local actors, so that the principles of a sustainable lifestyle are genuinely reflected in the daily life of early childhood and pre-primary education.