Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
OXFORD REVIEW OF EDUCATION, cilt.51, sa.4, ss.614-631, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
The
environment consists of different interrelated elements including biotic,
abiotic, and anthropic. It is essential to understand the interrelations
between these systems to be able solve environmental problems (e.g. climate
change, pollution). In particular, it is necessary to develop such a systematic
vision of the environment from the childhood years to raise them as
environmentally conscious citizens. This study focused on preschoolers’
(5-year-old children) systematic vision and feelings regarding the environment in
Samsun, which is the central city in the north region of Turkey. Data were
collected from 51 children from three different preschools through their
drawings and short interviews and then analysed with content analysis. As a
result, findings presented the biotic, abiotic, and anthropic elements in their
drawings. It was revealed that the majority of the children have a high level
of complexity in their vision by representing different elements of the
environment together. Moreover, children’s feelings reflected in their drawings
were also analysed and reached as happiness, love, and responsibility. It was
concluded that children’s social and emotional development can be supported
through natural environment.