The Term ‘Environment’ and Six Years Old Kindergarten Children

Abstract

The present research aims at defining how the environmental perception of six-years old early childhood children changes depending on neighborhood and their socioeconomic background. It was conducted on 4 different kindergartens with participation of 44 children in a Black Sea region town. The research is based on qualitative techniques which are semi-structured interview and focus group. All participants also draw the picture to express the best environment where they want to live. Drawing is used as a supportive instrument for self-expression. Findings were interpreted in the context of Weber's Class Theory and Postmaterialist Theory. According to the research results, a) the perception of the students regarding the environment change depending on the neighborhood and socio-economical background b) the term environment is shaped with a child's own desire and imagination and generally this is based on materialistic point of view c) while the upper-middle class students perceive the term environment as a problematic issue, the lower ones could not perceive the same as. In light of these findings, it is clear that we need value-free environmental education program beyond prejudices.