Sustainable Schools

Simple, hands-on activities to introduce sustainability to younger children.

Get Grubby Program for Educators

Interactive sustainability programs for early childhood learning. The Get Grubby Program for Educators focuses on the enrichment of the early learner; support for their educators; inspiring children to share their experiences and new learnings with their family. It is an integrated curriculum project that aims to address and explore the key learning outcomes of the National Quality framework for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Get involved in making compost, feeding worms, building nutrient rich soil to grow our own nutrient rich food. Digging, weeding, mulching – caring for the garden and ourselves at the same time. Being connected to the reuse, reuse and recycle stories of waste. Finding out that waste can be a resource in our new circular economy – not something to throw out but something to treasure. Practicing every day, the right places to recycle our resources and how to avoid the bin in the first place.

For more information, check out: The Get Grubby Program | Dirt Girl World

Creative lessons and projects for primary school students that focus on environmental awareness and action:

• Mini Worm Farms (in a Jar): Layer soil, sand, and food scraps in a clear jar to observe composting in action. Include some Red Wigglers if available.
• Plastic Bottle Planters: Cut plastic bottles in half, decorate, and grow herbs or succulents. A fun way to talk about reuse and plant care.
• Compost Critter Posters: Learn about what goes into compost by creating poster diagrams or sorting games of “Yes/No” compost items.
• School Garden Audit and Improvement Plan: Students assess the school's green spaces or veggie gardens and suggest improvements (mulching, native plants, watering systems, etc.).
• Recycling Relay or Waste Sorting Games: Turn sustainability into movement and fun with games focused on correct waste disposal and recycling habits.

Advanced projects and discussions for secondary school students to dive deeper into sustainability topics.

• Environmental Protection Festivals: Arranging festivals that include a range of events about pollution and environmentally friendly solutions. To express their creativity and sense of community, students take part in educational activities and art contests. For example; old-item exchanges, recycled fashion displays, recycled goods fairs, creation of recycled lanterns.
• Organising Competitions: Hold recycling-related competitions on important occasions to encourage students’ creativity and help them form recycling-related learning habits that will lessen their influence on the environment. For example; award points to school houses or classes for cleaning up litter, recycling, etc.
• Green Living Club: Create a club just for students who are enthusiastic about protecting the environment. The group can organise events like tree planting, waste cleanups, and involvement in neighbourhood awareness initiatives.

Teaching sustainability works best when it becomes part of your everyday life rather than a special lesson. Kids learn these habits most easily when sustainability feels normal and natural. The key is starting with small, simple changes that don’t feel overwhelming for anyone. Remember that building sustainable habits takes time and patience.

• Set an Example: Kids often learn by watching the adults around them. Kids are more likely to follow these habits when they see you doing them too.
• Make Sustainability a Daily Routine: Start simple. You can teach kids how to save water by turning off the tap while brushing teeth. Encourage them to help sort waste into landfill, recycling, or organic material. You could also make a habit of turning off lights when leaving a room. These little changes can add up, and kids will learn that even small actions can help the planet.
• Get Kids Involved in Sustainable Choices: Let kids help with decisions like storing food in reusable containers or choosing reusable bags when shopping. Ask them about their thoughts on reducing waste or using less plastic. Getting them involved shows them that everyone can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.