Jardín ecológico para la conciencia ambiental en infantes del subnivel inicial 2 “A” del Centro de Educación Inicial Alonso Torres.

Abstract

The present research, titled "Ecological Garden for Environmental Awareness in Infants of Sub-level Initial 2 'A' at the Alonso Torres Early Education Center," aims to stimulate environmental awareness regarding recycling within the teaching-learning process in the area of Relationships with the Natural and Cultural Environment. This is directed toward children aged 3 to 4 years in Sub-level Initial 2 'A' at CEI Alonso Torres. The methodology employed consists of a case study with a qualitative approach and an interpretative paradigm. Techniques and instruments used include interviews and a question guide applied to the classroom teacher, as well as participant observation along with field notes taken from 17 children aged 3 to 4 years. After analyzing and interpreting the collected data, a lack of environmental awareness was detected among the children. Consequently, an educational booklet was created with 10 activities inspired by Waldorf pedagogy, and input was sought from three experts to validate the proposal and review the coherence and wording of the activities, ensuring their alignment with the research. After completing the coding for the first, second, and third levels, the results yielded three pre-established categories (Understanding Environmental Problems in School, Environmental Awareness in Children, Teacher’s Environmental Commitment) and one emerging category (Recycling Practices in School). It is concluded that it is essential to instill environmental awareness from an early age, as doing so will help children grow with love, respect, and protection for the environment, ultimately making them agents of positive change for the planet.