EDUCATOR COMPETENCIES THROUGH PRACTICAL WORK IN TERMS OF DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

This paper analyzes the importance of developing environmental awareness in children of preschool age, teachers’ ability and the most convenient way to influence the development of ecological awareness in children. A teacher should be familiar with the most recent literature on the topic of ecology, which should help him in chil- dren’s further education through some practical examples, exercises and workshops that will contribute to the deve- lopment of ecological awareness in children. Environmental education and the formation of the ecological way of thinking begin in early childhood, so it is very important to properly stimulate children from the earliest age. Ecology is underrepresented in the work with children of preschool age and competence of teachers in the field of ecology can be brought into question. Lack of education on ecology makes future teachers insufficiently competent, and special environmental programs that could serve as a basis for organising environmental activities do not exist. It is necessary to expand and upgrade facilities in the field of environmental education of future teachers in order to improve their competence.