Climate change is an interdisciplinary problem facing all of us. Sometimes, educators shy away from discussing climate change with young students because they’re overwhelmed by simplifying the science for their students. They worry about causing anxiety by discussing big issues like rising seas and temperatures. They fear pushback from community members.
But young students hear about climate change on the news and they want to know more. From droughts to wildfires to extreme weather, students know the planet is in peril. Young activists like Greta Thunberg are leading the way in the fight against climate change, showing young people that they don’t have to wait to reach adulthood to make a difference.
Luckily, we do not need to be experts to address climate change in the classroom. Books can provide an entry point to climate change education at all levels. The titles in this collection include fiction and nonfiction texts, both picture books and chapter books, and provide a broad appeal for today’s elementary school students.
The wide variety of texts also allows for teachers to integrate them into multiple subject areas. Texts can be used as read-alouds, whole-class texts, and independent reading. Activities apply to all titles and can be adapted to whole class or small group settings. All included texts empower students to be optimistic about the future and to be part of the solution. There is no time better than the present to start the conversation about climate change, because empowered students can change the world.
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