E ducator, mentor, caregiver and facilitator of wonder. That’s how Ms Joan Tan describes the many hats she wears as an early childhood specialist with 30 years of experience. Starting her career at just 18, Ms Tan is now the principal of M.Y World @ Bukit Batok West Plains 1, where she finds fulfilment in shaping young lives and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Passionate about environmental awareness, the 48-year-old is dedicated to instilling planet-caring values to her young charges and the next generation of educators.

This, Ms Tan said, can be done by raising children’s awareness of how their behaviour impacts the environment and by promoting sustainability in everyday activities in school and at home. “Educators have the power to influence children’s habits by consistently modelling eco-friendly practices, which can then be extended into their homes,” she said. Some habits she hopes her students can learn from her include reducing paper wastage and repurposing reusable materials for learning activities.

GARDENS, FARMS AND WORMS

As part of her commitment to promoting environmental awareness, Ms Tan has implemented several initiatives at the centre to enhance children’s learning. One notable project is the M.Y Worm Hotel, a vermicomposting unit where worms convert organic waste into fertiliser. This fertiliser is used in the indoor M.Y Urban Farming unit and the centre’s mini garden, where they grow Okinawa spinach and spring onions. In another mini garden, children plant and grow vegetables of their choice, harvest the produce and incorporate the greens into cooking activities. These initiatives help children understand eco-friendly waste management solutions and how farm-to-table practices can reduce their carbon footprint.

For younger learners, Ms Tan spearheads the centre’s Green Warriors project, an ongoing initiative aimed at inculcating sustainability awareness. During events such as Storybook Character Day, the children dress up in costumes made from recycled materials. “Such activities engage children and parents in hands-on activities and foster a culture of environmental consciousness,” explained Ms Tan.

ECO LEADERS: NEXT GEN

To further illustrate how environmental themes are incorporated into classroom routines, Ms Tan described how each class has a child assigned to be an environmental ambassador. This child’s role is to remind peers to switch off the lights when leaving the classroom, shut off taps after use and take only what they need – such as one or two pieces of tissue instead of a fistful.

During outdoor lessons, educators reinforce the importance of keeping the environment clean by encouraging children to think about the rubbish they see. “We ask them questions like, ‘What should we do when we see trash on the ground? How can we reduce trash?’,” Ms Tan shared. In addition, educators share news snippets that demonstrate how everyday actions can impact the environment.

These efforts have yielded positive results. “The children show initiative in reminding their peers to minimise wastage, adopt water-saving habits and use recycled paper,” said Ms Tan. “Some children even bring recycled materials from home to contribute to the centre’s resources.”

Ms Tan and team also make a concerted effort to involve parents in sustainability activities such as inviting parents to bring in plastic materials as part of a recycling competition. To commemorate Mothers’ Day, mums were asked to contribute one natural resource for a craft activity. These home-school partnerships help children understand that caring for the environment requires collaboration and cooperation

Ms Tan also advises exploring outdoor spaces to discuss the importance of trees, bees and natural elements. Introducing age-appropriate books about the environment and encouraging children to ask questions can further enhance their learning. “Collaborate with local groups for workshops and field trips that focus on local ecosystems and sustainability practices,” she said. “Technology such as apps and online platforms can make the topic more engaging for children. As an educator, attending workshops focusing on environmental education can provide new ideas as well as opportunities to connect with fellow professionals.”

Ms Tan’s vision for the future of environmental education is for children to embrace the value of protecting the earth and to positively influence others through conscious sustainability efforts in their daily lives. “I believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take action to safeguard the environment,” she said. “Children can become environmental ambassadors, inspiring their parents and the community. By starting early, children will learn to love and cherish the earth, developing a sense of responsibility to protect the only planet that they have.”