The investigation of the relationship between the preschool childrens' affinity towards nature (Biophilia) levels and their parents and teacher's connectedness to nature

In this study, the relationship between preschool children's affinity towards nature (biophilia) levels and their parents' and teachers' connectedness to the nature was examined. Survey model was used in the study. The study sample consisted of 298 children aged 60-66 months, 162 of whom were girls and 136 of whom were boys, attending independent kindergartens and kindergartens affiliated with primary schools in Balıkesir City Centre, and their parents and teachers. Within the scope of the study, Family Demographic Information Form, Teacher Demographic Information Form, Children's Biophilia Measure and Connectedness to the Nature Scale were used to collect data. According to the results of the study, it was found that there was a relationship only between teachers' connectedness to the nature scores and children's biophilia scores, but there was no relationship between parents' connectedness to the nature and children's affinity towards nature. Teachers' connectedness to the nature scores were found to be predictive of children's biophilia scores. It was found that the mean biophilia scores of children differed significantly according to gender, but not differ according to mother's education level, father's education level, family income level and number of siblings. It was found that children's biophilia levels and teachers' levels of connectedness to nature differ statistically according to the school type variable. Keywords: Affinity Towards Nature (Biophilia), Connectedness to the Nature, Preschool Education