Routledge Teaching Climate Change in Primary Schools: An Interdisciplinary Approach

This important and timely book provides an overview of climate change and highlights the importance of including climate change education in primary schools. It emphasises the importance of cross-curricular pedagogical approaches with a focus on climate justice, providing in-depth assistance for teaching children aged 3–13 years. Informed by up to date research, the book helps teachers to remain faithful to climate change science whilst not overwhelming children. Accompanied by online resources, this book includes practical and easy to follow ideas and lesson plans that will help teachers to include climate change education in their classrooms in a holistic, cross-curricular manner. Specific chapters address the following topics: • Inter-disciplinary approaches to climate change • Early childhood education • Pedagogies of hope • The importance of reflective practice • Ideas for including climate change education in curricular areas such as literacy, geography, science, history and the arts Designed to promote climate change education in primary schools, this resource will help primary teachers, student teachers, geography specialists and all those interested in climate change education develop their own conceptual knowledge and that of the children in their class. Review ‘When we educate children about climate change we also educate a nation. What the past few years has shown, is that it is our children who are teaching us that we must take climate change seriously, because it affects their future and the future of the planet on which we all live. But they have also given us hope, something we all need as we work and learn together.’ Minister Eamon Ryan, T.D. Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport. ‘Addressing climate change is a critical issue for the work of the Irish Aid programme at the Department of Foreign Affairs. I very much welcome this book which will support teachers to engage their pupils on the impacts and implications of climate change across the world and what we all can to do to be responsible climate aware global citizens.’ Minister Colin Brophy, T.D. Minister for Overseas Development and Diaspora ‘At last! Here is a book that provides authoritative but accessible guidance on teaching about climate change in primary schools. Students and teachers everywhere will welcome this thoughtful and wide-ranging exploration of what is arguably the defining issue of our age.’ Stephen Scoffham, Visiting Reader (Sustainability and Education), Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. ‘A must read for every teacher, this is such a rich and timely resource. Not shying away from the starkness of the climate science but always seeking to cultivate children’s natural wonder and hope, this is the perfect handbook for teachers who want to equip their students to be active citizens in a climate-disrupted world.’ Oisín Coghlan, Director of Friends of the Earth, Ireland ‘Young students are already well aware of the many environmental and climate change challenges we face. They have already been to the forefront of the struggle for climate action and climate justice. Supporting and guiding them in their reflections on the issues is a privilege as well as an opportunity. Teachers also need support in this vital task and this collection will assist them hugely in that task. This book offers much that is practical and immediate for classroom and whole school practice. Of particular value is the emphasis on placing climate change in the framework of citizenship education and the emphasis on hope and positive engagement, a key component of any education-based approach. To say this collection is a timely and relevant contribution is an understatement.’ Colm Regan, Human Rights Activist and Teacher, University of Malta ‘Climate change and biodiversity loss are the greatest challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Education is key to addressing them, and this has t