SCHOOLS AND DAYCARES ‘GET GRUBBY’
Schools and Early Learning Centres in the Dubbo Local Government Area are learning all about sustainability and the environment through the Get Grubby educational program supported by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC).
The Get Grubby Program is an innovative online curriculum subscription service, designed for educators and young families. Topics included in the program are Get Water Wise, Get Energy Wise, Get Funky Composting, Get into Recycling and Get Growing. Educators can choose units to inspire participation across a range of activities that can be enjoyed outdoors, indoors, at school or in the home.
DRC Resource Recovery Education Officer Hamish Campbell said the program contains videos, song kids and activities plus educator guides and notes to assist in delivery of the classes.
“So far we have had 24 local early learning centres and schools join and start participating in the Get Grubby program,” Mr Campbell said.
The Get Grubby program is free to register for and participate in. DRC has a three-year subscription to the Get Grubby so teachers and educators can build the program into their lesson planning and know it will be an ongoing resource point they have access to.
“Families and community groups can also participate in the Get Grubby Program through the Get Grubby at home version. It offers access to all activities, that families can work through together to solidify their sustainable learning. It is also a great resource for home schooling.”
“Get Grubby helps build a love for nature and the environment, while teaching children about how to protect and nurture it,” Mr Campbell said.
The program encourages children to swap screen time for green time so they can gain an understanding of environmental processes, natural and man-made and how their actions can impact the world around them.
“This program is amazing for the children’s development and teaches them important aspects of sustainability and helps deepen their connection with our planet,” Rainbow Cottage Coordinator Briana Merchant said.
“The children are finding this program very fun and engaging. They are loving the hands-on aspect of the project and ‘getting grubby’. All the children really relate to dirt girl and are very excited when it is time to learn about the environment with her.”
“We would recommend the program to other early learning centres and schools. It is very easy to follow and includes everything you need to learn about sustainability along with the support of so many resources,” Ms Merchant said.
Schools or early learning centres in the Dubbo Region looking to get involved in the Get Grubby program contact Hamish Campbell, DRC Resource Recovery Education Officer at wasteeducation@dubbo.nsw.gov.au.
Last Edited: 06 Dec 2023