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How can you inspire climate optimism in your students?

Molly Sinnott

So often what we hear about climate change are messages of doom and hopelessness. While there are certainly real reasons for concern, an optimistic outlook that we can solve hard problems is critical to motivating action. In your classroom, how do you talk about climate change in a way that’s both realistic and inspires students to believe there’s actually something they can do about it?

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Parents

  • Great question,  . I think that Climate issues, as well as many other environmental problems, weigh heavily on our young people. I believe this is partly because young people do have an unbridled capacity for caring. I also think that our youngest community members also experience a greater feeling of helplessness because they can't yet vote, they haven't grown into their own voices yet, and oftentimes are not taken seriously by the adult world. 

    So what can we, as educators, do to help? 

    I agree with  's suggestions about modeling and reframing. those are powerful teaching tools. I would add to those ideas opportunities for students to learn and practice civil discourse and the development of the power of their voices. I have done civic action projects with my students for many years. Once students get a taste of the power they can actually command, there's nothing quite the same to help them feel optimistic.

    I have heard that the revisions of the Climate Project have more, and more accessible, avenues for student action. That has me waiting on the edge of my seat to dig in!

Reply

  • Great question,  . I think that Climate issues, as well as many other environmental problems, weigh heavily on our young people. I believe this is partly because young people do have an unbridled capacity for caring. I also think that our youngest community members also experience a greater feeling of helplessness because they can't yet vote, they haven't grown into their own voices yet, and oftentimes are not taken seriously by the adult world. 

    So what can we, as educators, do to help? 

    I agree with  's suggestions about modeling and reframing. those are powerful teaching tools. I would add to those ideas opportunities for students to learn and practice civil discourse and the development of the power of their voices. I have done civic action projects with my students for many years. Once students get a taste of the power they can actually command, there's nothing quite the same to help them feel optimistic.

    I have heard that the revisions of the Climate Project have more, and more accessible, avenues for student action. That has me waiting on the edge of my seat to dig in!

Children