World Environment Day is a brilliant opportunity for nurseries to celebrate nature, spark curiosity and help children understand how their small actions can make a big difference. In Early Years, sustainability isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about modelling mindful habits, exploring the outdoors and giving children hands‑on experiences that nurture respect for the world around them.
For practitioners, it’s also a chance to bring creativity, environmental awareness and child‑led learning together in a way that feels natural and joyful.
Low‑Prep, Sustainable Activities for Busy Nursery Days
You don’t need elaborate resources to celebrate World Environment Day. These simple, low‑prep ideas work beautifully in any setting – perfect for flexible practitioners stepping into new environments.
🌱 1. Nature Treasure Hunt
A basket, a clipboard or even a simple “find something green” prompt is enough to get children exploring. This activity supports:
- Observation skills
- Language development
- Respect for living things
♻️ 2. Recycling Sorting Station
Use clean packaging from the nursery kitchen to create a quick sorting activity. Children learn:
- What materials can be recycled
- How to categorise objects
- Early maths skills through grouping
🍃 3. Leaf Rubbing or Nature Art
A few leaves, crayons and paper can turn into a beautiful art session. This encourages:
- Fine motor development
- Creativity
- Appreciation for natural textures and patterns
🌼 4. Seed Planting in Recycled Pots
Yoghurt pots, egg cartons or cardboard tubes make perfect planters. Children learn:
- How plants grow
- Responsibility through watering
- Patience and care
Teaching Children About Nature and Recycling
Early Years is the perfect stage to introduce environmental awareness. Children are naturally curious and practitioners can build on this by:
- Talking about where rubbish goes
- Showing how to reuse materials creatively
- Encouraging children to care for plants and living things
- Using books and songs about nature and animals
- Modelling gentle handling of insects and plants
These small moments build lifelong habits.
How Practitioners Can Model Eco‑Friendly Habits
Children learn best by watching the adults around them. Practitioners can make a big impact by modelling simple, sustainable behaviours such as:
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Using reusable water bottles
- Encouraging children to pour only what they need
- Reusing scrap paper for mark‑making
- Choosing natural materials over plastic when possible
- Leading by example during tidy‑up time
Flexible practitioners, in particular, bring fresh ideas into each setting they visit — often inspiring nurseries with new eco‑friendly approaches.
A Greener Future Starts With Small Steps
World Environment Day is a reminder that sustainability belongs in everyday practice, not just once a year. With simple activities and mindful habits, nurseries can create environments where children learn to love, respect and protect the world around them.
And with the support of skilled, adaptable practitioners, these ideas can flourish in every setting – no matter how busy the day.
To find out more about how our flexible practitioners bring creative ideas and a helping pair of hands to each setting, why not speak to a friendly member of our team. Call KiddyKare on 01628 675828.
Author: Jodi Walden
