A Study on Play and Education for Sustainable Development: Focusing on Competencies for Sustainable Development

Objectives This study aims to investigate the relationship between intrinsic play led by young children and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and to explore the role of teachers in facilitating this interaction. Methods The study was conducted using a literature review approach. From June to November 2023, a total of 21 papers on ESD in early childhood education, 4 UNESCO publications, 6 studies on ESD, and 17 papers and re-lated materials on play-centered education were collected and analyzed to explore the connection between play and ESD. Results First, it was found that children's play, which inherently involves the transformation of ‘living’ into ‘learn-ing’, is closely related to sustainable living practices. In this context, play and ESD are intimately connected. Second, teachers are required to act as supporters and guides in this process. Conclusions This study explores the significance of play not just as a simple activity, but as an inherent character-istic of early childhood in relation to sustainable development education. This highlights the importance of play as a key approach in the development of ESD competencies. Furthermore, it underscores the role of teachers in giv-ing educational meaning to ESD through play.