Environmental activities for children: Learn and enjoy in nature

May 30, 2025

At The Benalmádena International College, we understand that environmental education is not just another subject, but a fundamental pillar in forming responsible, critical citizens committed to the future of the planet. Our approach goes beyond theory: we want our pupils and their families to live sustainability as an everyday experience, integrating respect and care for the environment into every aspect of their school and personal lives. Below, we develop in depth how, from our institution, we promote environmental activities for children, encouraging learning, reflection and responsible action in the family.

Connecting with nature: First step towards ecological awareness

Outdoor excursions as a living classroom

In our experience, outdoor excursions are one of the most powerful tools for children to connect with nature. We organise outings to the Costa del Sol’s natural areas, parks and ecological reserves, where students can explore local biodiversity, observe native flora and fauna and understand the importance of different ecosystems. These activities, guided by our specialised teachers, awaken curiosity and wonder about nature, laying the foundations for meaningful and long-lasting learning.

Biodiversity observation and recording

During these outings, we encourage the children to keep field diaries, where they note and draw the species they find. This exercise not only reinforces their scientific knowledge, but also promotes attention and respect for the environment. Direct observation of birds, insects, plants and small mammals allows them to understand the fragility of ecosystems and the role that each living thing plays in the natural balance.

Identification of sources of contamination

A key aspect of our activities is teaching children to identify signs of pollution in their environment. We show them how the presence of plastic waste, cans or paper affects wildlife and the landscape. This awareness, accompanied by discussions and group dynamics, motivates them to become active agents of change, promoting cleanliness and care for natural spaces both at school and at home.

Creativity and recycling: Learning to transform to care

Creative recycling workshops

At The Benalmádena International College, we believe that creativity is an essential driver for sustainability. That’s why we organise workshops where pupils transform recycled materials into toys, useful objects and works of art. We use bottles, caps, cardboard and paper to stimulate the imagination and show that waste can have a second life. These activities not only encourage manual dexterity and creativity, but also instil the value of reuse and responsible consumption.

Painting and art on recycled paper

Art is a privileged channel for expressing emotions and reflections on the environment. We invite our students to create works using recycled paper, exploring mixed techniques and themes related to nature. This artistic approach reinforces the importance of choosing sustainable materials and awakens interest in recycling from a playful and educational perspective.

Sustainable art as a transversal project

Throughout the school year, we promote sustainable art projects in which the children, guided by their teachers, investigate the environmental impact of materials and propose ecological alternatives. The results of these workshops are exhibited in the school, involving the whole educational community and raising awareness among families about the importance of conscious consumption.

Gardening and cultivation: Learning from the land

School garden and urban home gardens

Direct contact with the earth is a transformative experience for children. At our school, we have a school garden where pupils actively participate in planting, watering and harvesting vegetables and aromatic plants. This activity allows them to understand the life cycle of plants, the importance of biodiversity and the value of fresh, local food.

We encourage families to replicate this experience at home, creating small urban gardens on terraces or balconies. We provide guides and resources so that parents and children can choose seeds, prepare the substrate and care for the plants together, strengthening the family bond and environmental awareness.

Gardening and sustainability workshops

Through practical workshops, we teach gardening techniques adapted to different ages, from germinating seeds to composting organic waste. These workshops reinforce values such as patience, responsibility and teamwork, and show children how every action, no matter how small, contributes to the balance of the school and home ecosystem.

Sustainable transport: Responsible mobility from childhood

Promoting cycling and active transportation

At The Benalmádena International College, we promote the use of bicycles as a healthy and ecological means of transport. We organise sustainable mobility days, in which we invite pupils and their families to travel by bicycle or on foot, highlighting the benefits for health and the environment. These initiatives are complemented with workshops on road safety and basic bicycle maintenance, encouraging autonomy and commitment to sustainability from an early age.

Alternatives to motorised transport

In addition to cycling, we encourage families to opt for public transport, car sharing and walking, especially for short journeys. These alternatives reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to air quality in our community. At school, we provide information on safe routes and promote awareness campaigns to make sustainable mobility a real and accessible option for everyone.

Recycling education: A habit for life

Recycling systems at school and at home

Correct waste management is an essential part of our educational approach. In our facilities, we have differentiated recycling points for plastics, paper, glass and organic waste. We involve students in the classification and emptying of these containers, reinforcing learning through dynamics and games that reward the good use of resources.

We encourage families to set up similar systems at home, providing educational materials and practical advice on how to organise household recycling. This continuity between home and school facilitates the acquisition of sustainable habits and reinforces the commitment of the whole educational community.

The importance of recycling from childhood

In our experience, instilling recycling habits in children is key to forming responsible adults who are committed to the planet. We explain to children the positive impact of recycling on the conservation of resources, the protection of ecosystems and the reduction of waste. Through talks, videos and experiments, we show how every small gesture counts and how, together, we can make a difference.

Clean-up activities: Direct action for a healthy environment

Clean-up days on beaches and in parks

At The Benalmádena International College, we regularly organise clean-up days at local beaches and parks, in collaboration with environmental associations and the local council. These activities allow pupils to see first-hand the effects of litter on nature and to actively participate in the solution. Waste collection is complemented by educational activities on sorting and recycling, as well as discussions on the impact of waste on local fauna and flora.

Waste awareness and management

Through workshops and talks, we learn about waste management, the life cycle of products and alternatives to wasteful consumption. Students produce informative posters and participate in recycling programmes, becoming spokespeople for change in their homes and communities. This critical awareness is essential to prevent waste generation and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Literature and stories: The power of stories to educate

Children’s stories about the environment

Children’s literature is a powerful tool for transmitting ecological values. At our school, we select stories and tales that address issues such as biodiversity, pollution and recycling, adapted to different age groups. These stories, read in class or as a family, stimulate imagination and empathy, helping children to understand the importance of caring for the planet.

Workshops for the creation of ecological stories

We encourage literary creativity through workshops in which pupils invent their own nature stories. We encourage them to create characters inspired by local wildlife, plots that focus on conservation and endings that promote positive action. These activities, accompanied by illustrations, reinforce learning and allow children to express their ideas and emotions about the environment.

Classroom activities: The environment as a cross-cutting theme

Children’s rights and the environment

At The Benalmádena International College, we integrate environmental education into all areas of the curriculum, linking children’s rights with the right to a healthy environment. We organise debates, create murals and develop group projects that reinforce the idea that we are all responsible for caring for the planet. This cross curricular approach enables students to understand the connection between personal wellbeing and the health of the environment.

Collaborative projects for the care of the planet

Throughout the school year, we promote collaborative projects such as recycling campaigns, the creation of school gardens and actions to clean up local parks. These initiatives reinforce a sense of community and shared responsibility, demonstrating that teamwork is essential to achieve real and lasting change.

Responsible use of water: Taking care of the most valuable resource

Water-saving techniques at home and at school

Water is a limited resource and essential for life. We teach our students practical techniques to save water, such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, repairing leaks and using showers instead of toilets. At school, we implement efficient irrigation systems and promote rainwater harvesting for the school garden. We encourage families to adopt these practices at home by providing educational guides and resources.

Importance of conserving water

Through experiments, videos and discussions, we explain to children the effects of water scarcity on health, agriculture and ecosystems. This awareness motivates them to make responsible decisions and to value every drop, understanding that caring for water is a shared responsibility that affects present and future generations.

Educational audiovisual material: Learning with technology

Ecology films and documentaries

Audiovisual material is a valuable resource for teaching about the environment in an entertaining and visual way. We have selected films, documentaries and educational series that show the beauty of nature and the environmental challenges we face. These productions, screened in class and recommended for family viewing, serve as a starting point for discussions and research projects.

Digital resources and educational applications

We use applications and interactive games that teach ecological concepts, such as reforestation, species identification and sustainable resource management. These digital tools, adapted to different ages, allow children to learn through play and reinforce the content worked on in the classroom. We provide families with a selection of recommended resources to continue learning at home.

Educational games: Learning through play

Board games and playful dynamics

Play is a privileged way of learning. At our school, we incorporate board games and play activities that address topics such as recycling, resource management and nature conservation. These activities, designed to encourage collaboration and critical thinking, reinforce understanding of ecological concepts and motivate children to become defenders of the planet.

Crafts and environmental theatre

We organise handicraft workshops with recycled materials and theatre performances on the conservation of fauna and flora. As well as being fun, these activities allow pupils to explore different forms of expression and consolidate their commitment to the environment.

Educational visits: Learning from the environment

Excursions to recycling centres and eco-parks

Educational visits are a unique opportunity for children to learn about the environment in a hands-on, practical way. We organise excursions to recycling centres, where pupils can observe the waste sorting and treatment process, and to ecological parks, where they discover local biodiversity and participate in conservation activities. These experiences reinforce the contents worked on in the classroom and motivate the children to apply what they have learnt in their daily lives.

Technology in the service of the environment

Innovation and sustainability in the classroom

At The Benalmádena International College, we are committed to the integration of technology in environmental education. We use digital tools to monitor the school’s energy consumption, analyse air quality and manage the school garden. These initiatives enable pupils to understand the role of innovation in protecting the environment and develop key digital skills for the future.

STEAM projects with an ecological approach

We encourage STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) projects that address environmental challenges, such as the design of smart irrigation systems, the creation of sensors to measure soil moisture or the development of applications to identify species. These projects, carried out in collaboration with teachers and external experts, stimulate creativity and critical thinking, preparing students to face the challenges of the 21st century from a sustainable perspective.

Family Involvement: Key to Success

Involvement of parents in environmental education

We know that environmental education is most effective when it involves the whole family. That is why we organise workshops, talks and joint activities in which fathers, mothers and children can learn and act together. We share resources, guides and proposals to make sustainability part of everyday life, from responsible purchasing to waste management and energy saving.

Network of families committed to the environment

We encourage the creation of a network of families committed to sustainability, who share experiences, advice and good practices. This community, supported by the school, promotes initiatives such as the exchange of books and toys, the organisation of solidarity markets and participation in local environmental protection campaigns. Together, we demonstrate that change is possible when we join forces and work as a team.

Evaluation and monitoring: Measuring impact for improvement

Continuous evaluation of environmental activities

At The Benalmádena International College, we continuously evaluate the impact of our environmental activities, gathering feedback from pupils, families and teachers. We use questionnaires, interviews and observations to identify strengths and areas for improvement, adapting our proposals to the needs and interests of the educational community.

Recognition and celebration of achievements

We value and celebrate the sustainability achievements of our students and families by recognising and sharing their stories in our networks and school events. This visibility motivates others to join in and reinforces a sense of belonging to a community that is committed to caring for the planet.

Conclusion: A shared commitment to the future

At The Benalmádena International College, we are convinced that environmental education is a collective responsibility and an opportunity to transform the world. Every activity, every project and every gesture counts. We invite all families to join us in this commitment, accompanying their children in the discovery, respect and protection of nature. Together, we can build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for the next generations.