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

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

More Simple Things To Do

Refer to the backs of your Climate Cards for more tips.

Visit www.climateclassroom.org

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