We analyzed the preschool learning process in a little mountain village situated almost one thousand meters above sea level in Beskid Slaski – a part of the Carpathian Mountains. Besides an unusual natural environment, its exceptionality determines the learning process driven consciously and consistently among its youngest inhabitants. The children, encouraged by their teacher, enter into the natural world, recognizing its beauty, diversity and unity. On their field trips to the forest during different seasons, children observe trees and other forms of life, listen to the sounds of birds and insects, and even look for gossamer during Indian summer. Thus they discover the natural treasures hidden in the mountain forest. Nevertheless, the adventures do not end with this. Already in nursery school the little natural historians talk about their impressions through art. In these tales they create colorful pictures using different painting techniques, improvised „theatrical spectacles”, or else musical forest concerts.
Results/Conclusions
The artistic activity enables the children to express their emotions spontaneously, to express the excitement that comes from their relations with nature and in addition it develops their creative imagination and a sense of beauty. Ecological literacy and engagement with the environment is reflected in the children’s aesthetic and artistic expression. Learning coexistence with nature is an entire life process and learning at an early age is particularly important. Children remember well the place where they grow up. They perceive the world around them in the simplest way – with their eyes, hands and other senses as well as complex feelings. A learning process that comprises physical, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual dimensions, as realized in this little village, develops a sensibility to the natural world and the consciousness of the need to protect it.
