Harmony with Nature: New Horizons in Environmental Education for Preschoolers

On March 19, 2025, a forum-practicum dedicated to the pressing issues of environmental education for preschool children was held at the "Aygolek" kindergarten in the village of Zhanaqurylys, Zhambyl district, Almaty region. This event, organized in collaboration with Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, explored the importance of environmental education and innovative approaches to its implementation.

The forum focused on discussing the formation of ecological culture in preschool organizations and ways to foster children`s love for nature. Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Ulbossyn Kyyakbayeva emphasized the significance of environmental education in preschool institutions and expressed gratitude for the collaboration.

Methodologist of the Zhambyl district methodological center, Atirkul Kozhakhmetova, presented the best practices in preschool education and training in the district and discussed new developments in the field of environmental education.

The head of the "Aygolek" kindergarten, Gulbarshyn Junusbayeva, shared her experience in developing environmental education in preschool organizations. As part of the forum, a panoramic tour - "The Magical Kingdom" - was organized, allowing guests to get acquainted with the kindergarten`s daily activities, as well as the work of educators and children, she also conducted a master class with the head of the "Ұлан" nursery-kindergarten, Bakytkul Smagulova.

During the forum, the faculty members of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University presented their research and reports. Professor Mankesh Aksaule analyzed the role of environmental education in developing cognitive skills. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Altynay Zhakupova highlighted the importance of environmental education in the context of sustainable development goals. Doctoral student Gulmira Kapsanova presented the pedagogical aspects of shaping children`s environmental culture.

Other university scholars also participated in the forum. For example, Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) and Associate Professors Gulbanu Abitova and Assem Bulshekbayeva raised issues related to the comprehensive development of preschool children, while Senior Lecturer Aizhan Auezova addressed the problem of developing the professional competencies of educators.

Educators from preschool organizations in the Zhambyl district shared their experiences. Teacher of the preparatory group "Balbobek" Saltanat Taylakbayeva, teacher of the senior group "Kunshuak" Zhansulu Toyanova, and head of the "Kunshuak" kindergarten Dilda Turlybekova proposed practical methods for environmental education.

As part of the forum, the projects "Green Kindergarten" and "EcoLife," aimed at developing environmental education, were introduced. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration with parents to cultivate environmental awareness.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University and several preschool organizations in the Zhambyl district, with joint projects planned for the further development of environmental education.

The forum provided an opportunity to disseminate best practices in preschool education and enhance teachers` professional skills. Participants put forward concrete proposals for the continued advancement of environmental education.