The peculiarities of the young learners’ environmental competence formation in the conditions of the New Ukrainian school

Abstract

The thesis highlights the problem of forming environmental competence among primary school pupils in the context of sustainable development and modern educational priorities. The study analyzes scientific approaches to understanding environmental competence and outlines its main components: cognitive, emotional-value, motivational, and practical. It emphasizes the role of primary education in developing pupils’ ecological worldview, responsible environmental behavior, and awareness of human–nature interdependence. Particular attention is paid to the integrated course “I Explore the World”, interdisciplinary approaches, practical environmental activities, and the teacher’s role in fostering environmental values. It is concluded that environmental competence formation requires systematic, practice-oriented educational work and active involvement of pupils in environmental protection activities.