A Stage of Awareness,
Responsibility & Connection
In children the ages of 7 to 9 start to develop a more advanced understanding of their surroundings. The stage we refer to as “Environment Around Me” begins when children start observing the Earth's ecosystem, which includes the sky, water, seasonal changes, plants, animals, and landscapes, and the unseen connections between living things.
The development of curiosity at this stage leads to the addition of deeper understanding. It is a beautiful stage of awareness that blends observation, empathy, and early environmental understanding.
How Children Discover the Environment Around Them
Children experience the wonder of nature at this age, as they begin to see how their surroundings change throughout the year. They experience and witness changes in weather, the changing seasons, how plants grow, and how animals behave over the course of a season.
Their interest in the natural world continues to grow as they seek to find out how trees produce oxygen, how birds migrate, how insects play a role in the growth and development of plants, and why every living thing is vital in keeping our planet balanced.
It is during this stage that children begin to understand where water comes from, how food is produced (grown), and why it is crucial for all of us to use natural resources wisely. They gain knowledge and responsibility as they learn why we have to protect what the planet has provided us with.
They now understand how pollution, waste, and the actions of human beings impact our planet. Children now understand why they should recycle, protect the forest, and care for animals. These concepts are no longer abstract for them; they now understand that their individual choices directly impact the environment and future generations.
At this age, many first-hand feelings will be created, whether it be the joy of seeing a rainbow, the sadness of seeing a hurt animal, or the thrill of exploring the beauty of the earth. As a result of these experiences, the child develops a close personal relationship with the environment, learning to love and appreciate the world around them.
How Pegasus Supports This Journey
At Pegasus, the Children’s Wellbeing Circle guides families in nurturing this growing awareness. Through mindful conversations, simple nature-based activities, and supportive insights, we encourage children to explore their planet with respect, curiosity, and care.
The team works together to show children that Earth education requires learning about the planet which helps them build a lasting bond with their natural environment.
Growing Close to the Earth
Children begin to learn about Earth during their early development stages before they develop language skills to identify ecosystems or describe natural elements. At Pegasus we welcome your expanding interest in environmental learning because we support your child while they discover Earth as their home which needs protection and admiration.
