[photos from personal collection]
Alfred, Yoga poses for children in Kwak̓wala,2022 [video]

THE POWER OF THE EARLY YEARS

Eco-justice practices and pedagogies are critical in creating a learning environment that not only educates children about social and environmental issues but also instills in them a sense of responsibility and care for the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. This can take place, through the use of methods rooted in equity, inclusivity, Indigeneity, and social justice. Eco-justice pedagogies are important for learners of all ages; however, there are specific benefits to these practices in early childhood education. Early childhood is a critical period for the development of values, beliefs, and connections (Grindheim & Grindheim, 2021; Hart & Hart, 2019; Korkmaz & Yildiz, 2017; Malone, 2016). Children have an innate connection to the natural world and when educators practice eco-justice pedagogies with young children (including having them engage in hands-on learning in nature), children can establish a strong connection between themselves and the natural world, forming a deep and lasting bond with the environment upon which environmental education can land (Korkmaz & Yildiz, 2017; Strong-Wilson & Ellis, 2007). Eco-justice pedagogies offer educators a way to tackle complex environmental and social challenges facing our world in a way that is developmentally appropriate as well as solution-oriented, giving children the values, knowledge, skills, and hope that are essential to the wellbeing of our earth and the mental health of those protecting it (Hart & Hart, 2019).

In the following, you can find ideas and resources for facilitating this learning with the children you work with.

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Cultivating Resilience and Perseverance through picture books. A currated collection of picture books with adjoiningg lessons to develop skills in children needed to navigate a challenging world.

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This toolbox is designed to help you thoughtfully and meaningfully incorporate technology into your work with young children.

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Tech in nature [photo from personal collection]

Learning through Story
A curated collection of picture books, many with adjoining lesson ideas.

"Thank you, Garden" by Liz Garton Scanlon (Author) and Simone Shin (Illustrator)

A community garden unites children and neighbors in this celebration of all the things that grow there, from flowers and fruits to friendships. In the spirit of her Caldecott Honor–winning picture book All the World, this ode to friendship, community, and working together for a better world will have young readers gathering their friends young and old to plant something together.

Title: "Growing Gratitude: A Preschool Lesson Inspired by 'Thank You, Garden'"

Summary:
The lesson, "Growing Gratitude," centers around the book "Thank You, Garden" by Liz Garton Scanlon. The objective is to instill a sense of gratitude and appreciation for nature in preschoolers while engaging them in hands-on activities. The lesson begins with a read-aloud session, followed by a discussion about the book. Children then participate in a planting activity, where they plant seeds in small pots, emphasizing the importance of caring for living things. A creative art station allows them to express their understanding of gardens and nature through drawings and crafts. The lesson concludes with a sharing circle, where children express gratitude for aspects of nature. This integrated approach aims to develop fine motor skills, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world, fostering a sense of gratitude in preschoolers.

"The Water Princess" by Susan Verde

Inspired by the childhood of model Georgie Badiel, this book highlights the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.

Activity: Discuss the importance of clean water. Have children draw or paint pictures illustrating the value of water and ways to conserve it.

"Oolichan Moon" by Samantha Beynon (Author), Lucy Trimble (Illustrator)

Oolichan Moon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about passing down traditional knowledge from Nisga'a Elders and the sacredness of traditional foods, particularly the oolichan fish.

Together, author Samantha Beynon and illustrator Lucy Trimble have created a children’s book rich with cultural knowledge and tradition that relates to their Nisga'a ancestry surrounding the oolichan fish.

With playful text and vibrant illustrations, young readers can learn alongside the two Nisga'a sisters as they are gifted with sacred knowledge from their Elders, passed down for many generations in the oral tradition.

A gorgeous celebration of Nisga'a language, history and culture, Oolichan Moon also includes historical and cultural information about the oolichan fish and related Nisga'a vocabulary.

"We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom (Author), Michaela Goade (Illustrator)

Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal
#1 New York Times Bestseller

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

In this empowering lesson inspired by "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom, children will embark on a journey to understand the significance of water and the role they can play in protecting the environment. Begin by reading the book and discussing the central message of being water protectors. Engage the children in a hands-on activity where they create their own "Water Shields" using art supplies to represent their commitment to water conservation. Facilitate a group discussion about the importance of clean water and ways the children can contribute to environmental protection. Conclude the lesson with a collaborative art display showcasing the children's Water Shields, reinforcing the collective responsibility to care for the planet. This environmentally conscious lesson aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship, community responsibility, and artistic expression among children.

"The Watcher" by Jeanette Winter:

Learn about Jane Goodall and her dedication to studying and protecting chimpanzees and their environment.

Activity: Explore the natural world through binoculars or a nature journal, just like Jane Goodall. Encourage children to observe local wildlife and their habitats.

Activity: Set up a composting bin at your school or community garden and involve children in composting kitchen scraps and learning about soil enrichment.

"Grasshopper" by Tatiana Ukhova

Kids ages 4-7 will get lost in the imaginative world of this wordless picture book!

In this colorful and moving portrait told from the up-close perspectives of a young girl and a grasshopper, a garden comes alive with creatures, plants, and surprises of nature.

Grasshopper encourages young readers to:
Explore nature around them with curiosity and imagination
Respect nature and the creatures who call it their home
While investigating and admiring the insects in her garden, a young girl discovers how her actions impact the little creatures she finds, like a caterpillar inside a pea pod. When she places the caterpillar on an anthill, the ants swarm it!

When she captures a grasshopper, she discovers one of its legs has fallen off. To keep it safe from the ants, she places it in a jar—only for another curious creature to come investigate.

As the day progresses, the girl learns the profound effect she can have on the natural world around her.

In this eco-justice themed lesson inspired by "Grasshopper" by Tatiana Ukhova, preschoolers will explore the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of environmental conservation. Start by reading the book and discussing the story's message about the impact of human actions on nature. Engage the children in a hands-on activity where they create a "Bug Hotel" using recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, sticks, and leaves. Explain how bug hotels provide shelter for insects and promote biodiversity in urban environments. Facilitate a group discussion about the role of insects in the ecosystem and why it's essential to protect their habitats. Conclude the lesson by encouraging children to pledge to be "Nature Guardians" and take simple actions to care for the environment, such as planting native flowers or reducing waste. This lesson fosters a sense of empathy for all living creatures and empowers preschoolers to become stewards of the planet.

"The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle

Activity: After reading the book, engage children in planting flower or vegetable seeds in pots or a garden. Discuss the life cycle of plants.

"Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth" by Mary McKenna Siddals

A fun and informative book that introduces young readers to the concept of composting.

"Follow the Moon Home" by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson

Activity: Raise awareness about sea turtle conservation by organizing a "Lights Out for Turtles" campaign to reduce light pollution during nesting season.

"The Blue Songbird" by Vern Kousky

Activity: Discuss the importance of migratory birds and their habitats. Create bird feeders to attract and observe local bird species.

"Somebody Swallowed Stanley" by Sarah Roberts

Activity: Discuss the issue of marine plastic pollution. Organize a "beach clean-up day" or a recycling campaign to reduce plastic waste.

"Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace" by Jen Cullerton Johnson

Activity: Plant a garden of vegetables or herbs, discussing the importance of sustainable agriculture and its role in promoting peace.

"The Raft" by Jim LaMarche

Activity: Discuss the impact of river/stream ecosystems on local communities and wildlife. Take a field trip to a nearby river or stream for observations.

"Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt" by Kate Messner

Activity: Plant an underground garden in clear containers to help children understand the intricate world beneath the soil.

"Hello, Hello" by Brendan Wenzel

Activity: Explore biodiversity by creating a "biodiversity mural" with children drawing or painting various species they've learned about.

"If You Plant a Seed" by Kadir Nelson

Activity: Plant a vegetable or flower garden and discuss the concepts of patience, sharing, and the benefits of nurturing and cooperation.

"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss

This classic tale teaches children about the consequences of environmental destruction and the importance of speaking up for the environment.

Activity: After reading the book, have children create their own "Lorax Pledge" where they promise to take care of the environment in some way, such as reducing waste or planting a tree.

"The Forever Forest: Kids Save a Tropical Treasure" by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini

Activity: Discuss rainforest conservation and fundraising for rainforest protection projects or organizations.

"The Hike" by Alison Farrell

Activity: Plan a nature hike with children and introduce them to local flora and fauna, encouraging them to observe and document their findings.

"The Earth Gives More" by Sue Fliess

Activity: Discuss the Earth's gifts, such as clean air and water, and create a gratitude activity where children express thanks for these gifts.

"The Water Walker" by Joanne Robertson

Activity: Explore the importance of water in indigenous cultures. Explore the topic of water conservation. Create pledges to be water protectors.

"Shi-Shi-Etko" by Nicola I. Campbell

Activity: Learn about indigenous traditions, like the preparation of traditional foods and storytelling, to understand the connection between culture and the land.

"Everybody Needs a Rock" by Byrd Baylor (Author) and Peter Parnall (Illustrator)

Baylor lives and writes in Arizona, presenting images of the Southwest and an intense connection between the land and the people. Her prose illustrates vividly the value of simplicity, the natural world, and the balance of life within it.

In this engaging lesson inspired by "Everybody Needs a Rock" by Byrd Baylor, children will embark on a sensory exploration of rocks. Begin by reading the book, discussing the unique qualities of rocks, and introducing the idea that everyone can have their special rock. Take the children on a nature walk to collect rocks, encouraging them to feel and observe the textures and colours. Back in the classroom, create a "Rock Circle" where each child can share their chosen rock, fostering language development and a sense of ownership. Follow up with a creative art activity where children paint or decorate their rocks, promoting fine motor skills. The lesson concludes with a group discussion about why rocks are special and how they can be symbols of comfort and connection to nature. This hands-on and interactive lesson aims to enhance sensory experiences, language skills, and a appreciation for the natural world among children.

"Stand Like A Cedar" by Nicola I. Campbell (Author), Carrielynn Victor (Illustrator).

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear?

Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means to "stand like a cedar" on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłeʔkepmxcín or Halq'emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor's breathtaking art in this children's illustrated book.

Discover new sights and sounds with every read. A glossary and pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.

"What's my Superpower"by Aviaq Johnston (Author), Tim Mack (Illustrator)

Nalvana feels like all of her friends have some type of superpower. She has friends with super speed (who always beat her in races), friends with super strength (who can dangle from the monkey bars for hours), and friends who are better than her at a million other things. Nalvana thinks she must be the only kid in town without a superpower. But then her mom shows Nalvana that she is unique and special, and that her superpower was right in front of her all along.

In this imaginative lesson inspired by "What's My Superpower" by Aviaq Johnston, children will embark on a journey of self-discovery and celebrate their unique qualities. Begin by reading the book and discussing the various superpowers the characters discover within themselves. Engage the children in a fun and interactive activity where they create their own "Superpower Capes" using craft materials, allowing them to express their creativity and individuality. Encourage each child to share their superpower with the group, promoting self-confidence and verbal communication skills. Conclude the lesson with a collaborative "Superhero Parade" where children showcase their capes, fostering a sense of community and celebrating the diversity of their strengths. This lesson aims to promote self-awareness, creativity, and social interaction among children, empowering them to recognize and embrace their unique qualities as "superpowers."

Additional Resources Recommendations

Indigenous Learning Resources

The Outdoor Learning Store

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Tinkergarten

[photos from personal collection] Alfred, Yoga poses for children in Kwak̓wala,2022 [video]

THE POWER OF THE EARLY YEARS

Tech in nature [photo from personal collection]

Learning through Story A curated collection of picture books, many with adjoining lesson ideas.

Additional Resources Recommendations

[photos from personal collection]
Alfred, Yoga poses for children in Kwak̓wala,2022 [video]

Learning through Story
A curated collection of picture books, many with adjoining lesson ideas.