Community Action

• Key idea: Taking climate action is urgent – e.g. Invite community leaders into the preschool to explain their climate actions. Create real or pretend sustainable bazaars, action plans, silent marches, etc. (UC3.5)

Emergent learning:

This book tells the story of an heroic Kenyan woman; Wangari Maathai, who loved nature ever since she was a child. When she grew up, she planted trees that not only changed her country but also set an example for the world. She grew up to become a University Professor, and to win the highest global honour of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Wangari’s story provides children with a wonderful role model, and contradicts any prejudiced assumptions that might otherwise be held about the capabilities of people from African, and of Women.  There is also a wonderful YouTube video well worth sharing with your children.  In the video Wangari tells the story of a hummingbird who, regardless of the challenge, “Always Tries to Do the Best She Can”.  If we all aspire to be as strong as that little Hummingbird then together we can deal with any emergency:

Activity recommendation:

Inviting local members of voluntary organisation or the local council into your child’s nursery to speak to the children may seem daunting but don’t forget most of them will have their own children and even if they don’t, a few words encouragement and advice on how to address young children will usually suffice. Climate action is urgent and we need to take action as individuals and as communities.

See also:
https://www.facebook.com/ProfWangariMaathai

Other Book recommendations: