I want to participate—Communities of practice in foraging and gardening projects as a contribution to social and cultural sustainability in early childhood education.

The study investigates the social and cultural aspects of sustainability related to activities such as gardening and foraging in light of the concept of communities of practice in kindergartens. The research questions are: 1. To what extent can two kindergarten projects, which are involved with local food through foraging and gardening, be recognised and categorised as communities of practice? 2. How can foraging and gardening activities serve as a way to implement pedagogical approaches to sustainability in kindergarten? 3. How do these activities contribute to the participants' (employees and children) learning and agency related to the social and cultural aspects of sustainability?

The results indicate that the characteristics of the communities of practice concept are largely reflected in the activities of this project, where increased interest, social interaction and desire for learning are central. The engagement and participation in the community of practice through foraging and gardening unites employees and children, connects them to local food heritage and culture, and shows the way towards a sustainable future.

The data collection was conducted through five semi-structured focus group interviews with kindergarten staff (kindergarten teachers and assistants) and through observation (directly and via video) of two groups of kindergarten employees who engaged in foraging and gardening with the children. The children were aged one to six years of age from medium-sized kindergartens (60-75 children) in Northern Norway. The focus groups had between two and six informants each. The groups that were filmed consisted of ten children and between three and six kindergarten employees.

Bergan, V., Krempig, I. W., Utsi, T. A., & Bøe, K. W. (2021). “I want to participate—Communities of practice in foraging and gardening projects as a contribution to social and cultural sustainability in early childhood education”. Sustainability, 13(8):4368.