Take the Local Approach: Networking and Community

I have been able to share with you what necessary things that we, as educators and even parents, need to ensue that are children gain through education. They must develop a good understanding of the ecological principles and systems science. They need to be able to recognize patterns and relationships and apply these concepts to everyday life as well as to issues surrounding sustainability and the environment.

It is also our responsibility to restore our children's sense of pride and respect for nature, or in other words restore their biophilia. The only way we are going to make sure that our students are able to address complex issues involving climate change, waste reduction and global food resources is to allow them to approach these issues with positive, non-issue orientated mindsets. These values and mindsets can be achieved only if our children are passionate and motivated by earth and its natural processes. And remember, the best approach to take when restoring a child biophilia is to take a local approach. Children, and people alike, are more likely to become committed to something that they have a real connection to, something they can experience first hand.

It is one thing to teach these values and concepts to our children, but it another thing to make sure that the projects and lessons we use to teach our children this information become a part of education forever. The best way to ensure that projects continue on even after the key creators leave is to make diverse networks involving community, parents, businesses and the government. The idea of environmental education is to form connection and networks so that we can share information and ideas across all levels of education.

So remember, always look to what you have in your own backyards, or just outside the boundaries of the classroom. Help your students make a connection to the local environment. Once you have done this, look to the support of other schools, foundations, and the local community and be sure to create relationships and networks with everyone you possible can!