S5 E14: Reciprocity with Country: Giving Back Through Environmental Advocacy

In this episode of Educator Yarns, hosts Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum and Bec Buch from Bush Kindy Australia dive deep into practical examples of environmental advocacy that early childhood educators can implement with young children.

From the fascinating world of flying foxes in Tamworth to innovative community partnerships, Jeff and Beck share real-world stories that demonstrate how children as young as three can become active environmental stewards in their communities.

The conversation explores the critical importance of coexisting harmoniously with native wildlife, challenging common misconceptions about 'pest' animals, and revealing how simple actions like proper wildlife feeding can make significant impacts.

Through engaging anecdotes about children writing to MPs, creating handmade signs to protect koalas, and participating in regeneration programmes, this episode showcases how environmental education goes beyond mere observation to foster genuine reciprocity with Country.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why feeding birds traditional seed feeders can actually harm them and discover native plant alternatives that provide sustainable food sources for local wildlife
• Understand how to transform children into active citizens by teaching them to use council reporting apps for environmental issues like rubbish and damaged infrastructure
• Discover the powerful impact of child-made signage in preventing littering and protecting wildlife, with real examples of success stories from early learning centres
• Explore the concept of reciprocity with Country - ensuring every bush kindy session includes giving back through rubbish collection or regeneration activities
• Gain insights into responding appropriately to wildlife after natural disasters, including when to intervene and how to connect with local wildlife carers
• Learn about innovative sustainability practices like the Boomerang Bags project, where children use sewing machines to create reusable shopping bags from recycled materials
• Understand the importance of teaching coexistence with native animals rather than viewing them as pests, including practical solutions like possum boxes and frog ponds
• Discover how to implement mindful procurement practices in early learning centres, considering environmental impact, ethics, and alternatives before purchasing
• Learn strategies for building children's knowledge about local flora and fauna, including nocturnal visitors and often-misunderstood creatures like bush turkeys and ibises
• Understand how small actions like choosing eco-friendly detergents can protect local platypus populations and other sensitive wildlife in waterways

This episode brilliantly demonstrates that environmental advocacy isn't just about teaching children to care for nature - it's about empowering them to take meaningful action that creates real change in their communities.

By embedding these practices into daily routines and viewing every interaction with the environment through the lens of reciprocity and respect, educators can nurture a generation of environmental custodians who understand their role in caring for Country.

Whether you're just beginning your journey with bush kindy programmes or looking to deepen your existing practice, the practical strategies and inspiring stories shared by Jeff and Beck will transform how you approach environmental education in your setting.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.