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“Climate Change is a sensitive topic, but if approached with sensitivity it can instill a sense of responsibility. Photo by Supplied/ Grean school South Africa.
ClimateAction is in the spotlight. More conversations are needed at schoolLearn more about the devastating and pending effects of climate change.
Andy Wood, Head of Green School South Africa believes schools can play a significant role in teaching children about climate change.
Wood states that the school has decades of experience in this field. TeachingSchools that are interested in helping their communities can teach children about environmental issues.
Wood believes that climate change can be a delicate topic to talk about, but if approached with sensitivity and in an enabling manner, it can instill a sense responsibility and purpose.
According to him, the Green School’s strategy involves speaking to children about environmental issues in a way that inspires them to become game-changers. He says that this not only helps children avoid being overwhelmed or scaring but also encourages them to take action.
This approach is well-thought out, structured, and doesn’t dwell on the negative. Instead, it builds wonder, joy, and a connection to nature. It helps children develop an intrinsic desire for protecting what they have loved.
Read: UNICEF report: Climate crisis puts children at risk
Wonder and joy
These seeds can be planted in the children as early as three- to seven-year olds. They will learn empathy by teaching them to find animal friends and to see themselves as part of nature.
Wood believes that this age group is full with wonder and joy. They should embrace it and build a strong connection to the natural world.
Children aged eight to ten years old can learn about habitats and landscapes. This age group is more familiar with geological concepts and works with maps.
Children between 11 and 13 years old are taught to look at the world through their animal friends, how the world is changing, and how it affects their lives.
These students are introduced to the environment population at school and encouraged to think of ways they can help the animal world.
Social action
According to Julie-Ann Coppinger (Green School South Africa teacher), the school and teachers have the responsibility of instilling the ability to see how human actions can dramatically alter the quality life in the environment they care about.
She believes that middle school introduces teenagers to social action to help them understand the environmental issues that affect their lives. She believes this empowers these young people to believe that they can make a difference in the world.
Coppinger says that this approach has a ripple affect, as children gain a better understanding of the challenges and a greater belief in their abilities to conquer them.
She believes that children will be able to understand the effects of climate change on their school and community, and then they will be able to come up with solutions for their country and the world.
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