This article draws on a research study that focused on young children's involvement in an environmental curriculum that created for them opportunities to display their competence and confidence through knowing, deciding and acting for the environment within a supportive early childhood setting. When young children are involved in making decisions that affect their lives, including those decisions regarding sustainability and the natural environment, they are capable in contributing to the decision-making that leads them to purposeful action. The research revealed the importance of honouring the young child's right to know about social and environmental issues; to be part of conversations and possible solutions; to have their ideas and contributions valued; to seek solutions with others in order to be able to take meaningful action. The article explores the notion that when the rights of young children are respected, they are confident advocates for the environment and for a more sustainable world.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE research approach used in a case study of young children's involvement in a kindergarten environmental education program. Three key principles underpinned the research process. These principles were trusting relationships, respectful communication and democratic participation, and they were seen as ways to find solutions to ethical issues around children as participating partners in research. The approach allowed for children's voices to be heard and their contribution to the research valued. The premise of this approach is linked to a key principle of early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS)—democratic participation which highly values the contribution that children make to discussions on environmental issues related to their lives and interests.