Submitted by Heather Beusse (not verified) on October 3, 2007 - 16:45.
I want to thank Kevin for this insightful, creative and constructive response to teaching younger students about climate change. I agree that climate change is a serious issue but that it should be approached carefully with younger children. Non-profit GLOBIO, in collaboration with Ranger Rick magazine, develops free online educational resources and learning activities that encourage joy and hopefulness in young children on topics concerning nature and the environment. We have guidelines that ensure that our children’s programs are positive, encouraging, and sensitive to our audience. Rather than imposing our values on children, we encourage kids to find their own values through our leadership, support, and example.
Similar to Kevin’s articles, GLOBIO’s website, Glossopedia, in tandem with Ranger Rick stories work from the understanding that that while children mostly want to have fun, they are also eager to learn about all the things around them, and many are especially interested in animals. Thus we encourage children to learn and appreciate nature and biodiversity and to develop positive attitudes and behavior toward the natural world at their own paces and in ways that are most gratifying to them.
Rather than dwell on complex environmental problems that we know children will not adequately understand or that will sadden, frustrate, or discourage them, both Glossopedia and Ranger Rick focus children on opportunities for action that promise success — opportunities that they can meaningfully participate in. We also help them feel hopeful by showing them examples of people who are working to solve these problems.
Kevin’s article offers excellent ideas for how to approach climate change with younger students and a variety of positive activities for students to apply their learning. For additional ideas and educational resources, look for the Glossopedia article on climate change coming this fall (www.globio.org) or check out National Wildlife Federation’s climate change page.
Encourage Joy & Hopefulness to Teach Kids about the Environment
Submitted by Heather Beusse (not verified) on October 3, 2007 - 16:45.
I want to thank Kevin for this insightful, creative and constructive response to teaching younger students about climate change. I agree that climate change is a serious issue but that it should be approached carefully with younger children. Non-profit GLOBIO, in collaboration with Ranger Rick magazine, develops free online educational resources and learning activities that encourage joy and hopefulness in young children on topics concerning nature and the environment. We have guidelines that ensure that our children’s programs are positive, encouraging, and sensitive to our audience. Rather than imposing our values on children, we encourage kids to find their own values through our leadership, support, and example.
Similar to Kevin’s articles, GLOBIO’s website, Glossopedia, in tandem with Ranger Rick stories work from the understanding that that while children mostly want to have fun, they are also eager to learn about all the things around them, and many are especially interested in animals. Thus we encourage children to learn and appreciate nature and biodiversity and to develop positive attitudes and behavior toward the natural world at their own paces and in ways that are most gratifying to them.
Rather than dwell on complex environmental problems that we know children will not adequately understand or that will sadden, frustrate, or discourage them, both Glossopedia and Ranger Rick focus children on opportunities for action that promise success — opportunities that they can meaningfully participate in. We also help them feel hopeful by showing them examples of people who are working to solve these problems.
Kevin’s article offers excellent ideas for how to approach climate change with younger students and a variety of positive activities for students to apply their learning. For additional ideas and educational resources, look for the Glossopedia article on climate change coming this fall (www.globio.org) or check out National Wildlife Federation’s climate change page.