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Presented by Climate Classroom
and National Wildlife Federation
http://www.climateclassroom.org/kids
Presented by Climate Classroom
and National Wildlife Federation
http://www.climateclassroom.org/kids
![Page 2: Presented by Climate Classroom and National Wildlife Federation](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022062519/5681552d550346895dc306db/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
News about Global Warming is everywhere, but how do we answer children’s questions in
appropriate, helpful ways?
By helping children By helping children explore nature and explore nature and
develop Earth-friendly develop Earth-friendly habits, they grow up habits, they grow up caring for nature and caring for nature and
the world around them.the world around them.
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This guide will help concerned adults, parents, and educators conduct these discussions in accurate, developmentally appropriate, and
hopeful ways using:
8 tips prepared by National Wildlife Federation for discussing global warming with children
Answers to frequently asked questions
Additional resources
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Tips For Talking With Students About Global Warming
1. Conversation needs to be age appropriate
2. Let the child guide the conversation
3. Answer questions by informing yourself
4. Diffuse fear by acknowledging it and giving hope
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Tips For Talking With Students About Global Warming
5. Don’t burden them with problems
6. Think positively about solutions
7. Invite participation through discussion
8. Encourage action by letting students know they can make a difference
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1. Be Age Appropriate
Talk to the students at an age appropriate level
Global warming is a complex concept for children and may not be appropriate to discuss at all age levels
Create a sense of hope and positive understanding at all age levels
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Pre-school children learn through doing and touching
Children do not have abstract thoughts therefore making global warming hard to understand
Take the children outside and explore the natural world in their backyard
Children who spend time with nature care about it
Consider doing an activity from www.greenhour.org
Pre-School (Ages 1-4) and Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)
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Children at this age should be exploring the natural world outside their door
Exploring should be hands-on and full of joy
No need to introduce topic of global warming, if the child is not asking
If they do ask, keep the answers brief and basic (see www.climateclassroom.org for more info)
Early ElementaryEarly Elementary (Ages 7-9: Grade 1-3) (Ages 7-9: Grade 1-3)
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Early Elementary (cont.)Early Elementary (cont.) Assure child that adults are working on the problem
Best thing for children to be do at this age is interact with nature
Planting, exploring what is under rocks, looking at clouds, listening for birds, beginning to identify with animals
If working with this age group, do an activity from www.greenhour.org
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Child’s ability to think in an abstract manner is now increasing
Can introduce topic of global warming and answer questions
Share your own interest in the issue
Make simple suggestions to fight global warming at all times
Action examples available on Climate Cards or www.climateclassroom.org
Upper Elementary (Ages 10 – 12: Grades 4-6)
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2. Let Students Guide the Conversation
Listen carefully to their questions and answers
Even if you know a lot about the subject, or are passionate about it, it’s important not to overload them with information they are not ready for
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3. Answer questions
It’s important to be informed yourself
Review this guide again before visiting a classroom
Review the facts on the back of the Climate Cards
Visit National Wildlife Federation’s www.climateclassroom.org for additional information
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4. Diffuse Fear
Global warming and many of its projected impacts are scary
If students are anxious or upset by what they’ve heard, acknowledge these fears
Diffuse fear by steering the conversation toward solutions
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5. Don’t Burden Them
Children didn’t create this problem
It’s not fair to tell them they’ll be solely responsible for solving it
Let them know many, many grown-ups are working hard to solve it
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6. Think Positively Children are naturally optimistic
We’ll need every drop of this optimism to tackle global warming successfully
Emphasize that it’s not too late
People have caused this problem, and people, working together around the world, should be able to solve it
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7. Invite Participation
Explain that solving the problem will require some big changes – in society and in our daily lives
We’ll need to rethink many things, from the way we get energy to the way we build houses and get around
Everyone can play a part in turning the tide
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8. Empower Action
Provide opportunities for students to take action at home and in the classroom
Seek out positive steps you can take together
Whenever possible, keep it local and tangible with visible results
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Students Frequently Asked Questions“What is global
warming?”
Global warming is something that is happening to the climate of the earth. The average temperature is rising around the world.
“Why?”
It’s because of the greenhouse effect.
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More Frequently Asked Questions
“What is the greenhouse effect?”
It is a natural occurrence and helps to keep the lower 10 miles of our atmosphere livable. As more gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are added to the atmosphere, it holds in more heat.
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More Frequently Asked Questions
“What is the difference between global warming and climate change?”
Global Warmingis the increase of the
Earth’s average surface temperature due to a
build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Climate Changeis a broader term that
refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and
precipitation.
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More Frequently Asked Questions
“Why is global warming happening?”
The Earth’s climate is always changing. Looking back at the planet’s long history, we see evidence of big changes. So global warming – and global
cooling – is nothing new. What’s different this time is the reason for the change and how
fast it is happening. People have been adding extra carbon
dioxide to the atmosphere since the “Industrial
Revolution.” This was the time in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s when people began
burning fossil fuels for energy to run machines.
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More Frequently Asked Questions
“What’s being done now to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions?”
There is no single solution to solve the global warming solution problem. We need a multitude of
ways to address the issue and scientists are studying these areas:
Producing electricity efficientlyUsing electricity efficiently
Vehicle efficiencyIncrease our reliance on renewable energy such
as solar and wind powerBiofuels
Carbon capture and storage
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More Frequently Asked Questions“What can I do to solve the problem?”
Global warming is a problem that needs huge solutions. Lots of people will have to help. It will mean changing the way we all live—maybe in small ways, but in some big ways, too. For more information check out the Polar Cards and various conservation websites for more ideas on how you can help save the environment.
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Simple Things To Do
Turn off your computer and TV when you’re not using them.
Unplug electronics and chargers between uses.
Take shorter showers.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and cans.
Take reusable bags with you to the supermarket.
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More Simple Things To Do
Refer to the backs of your Climate Cards for more tips.
Visit www.climateclassroom.org
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Additional Resources Additional Resources (Designed for Kids/Adults)(Designed for Kids/Adults)
Climate Classroom Kidswww.climateclassroom.org/kids
Green Hour (Early Elementary)www.greenhour.org
NWF Ranger Rickwww.nwf.org/rangerick
EcoHealthJohns Hopkins and The University of Wisconsin at Madisonwww.ecohealth101.org/temperature/temp2.html
Climate Change: Kids SiteEnvironmental Protection Agencywww.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/change.html
Climate Classroomwww.climateclassroom.org