ERIC Number: EJ1084686
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1038-2046
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Effectiveness of Picture Books for Teaching Young Children the Concepts of Environmental Protection
Hsiao, Ching-Yuan; Shih, Pei-Yu
International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, v25 n1 p36-49 2016
This research aimed to investigate the use of picture books by preschool teachers to instruct environmental concepts and their influence on resource saving by children. The study adopted qualitative research as a method to investigate 11 children aged 5-6 years in Taiwan. In addition, we used "the environmental protector" as a main theme, and designed three sub-themes, which included the Impact of Human Activities on the Environment, the Rubbish Problem and Recycling, and Environmental Protection and Resource Saving. We used eight young children's picture books that were related to environmental education to carry out eight weeks of teaching. The result of the research discovered that children's environmental concepts had increased greatly following the activities. The children learned about different types of recovery and the recycling of reusable resources and the importance of recycling; children also understood how to reduce rubbish, and how to use less water, electricity, and paper, plus other eco-friendly behaviour. Children saved resources through their own actions; for instance, children used less water when washing their hands and brushing teeth and brought their own hankies to school. Moreover, children also used less drawing paper and turned off lights and televisions without being reminded to save electricity. However, the reuse of plastic bags was not improved.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Picture Books, Instructional Effectiveness, Young Children, Environmental Education, Conservation (Environment), Sanitation, Recycling, Preschool Teachers, Participant Characteristics, Questionnaires, Observation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A