You might be thinking, “Sure this all sounds good in theory, but how will it work in reality?” Just because something sounds good or seems like the right thing to do doesn't necessarily mean it can be done. The golden rule for the green school: Don't dwell on what you can't do; focus on what you can do.

Curriculum Connections

You likely have a very full plate of concepts you need to teach your students in order to meet grade and testing requirements. How can you squeeze in more? Fortunately, the concepts of nature, ecology, and sustainability lend themselves easily to all of the other issues children need to learn. Math, science, reading, English, history, social sciences, nutrition, art, and other subjects can be explored while you simultaneously teach your students to be responsible planetary citizens. There's a growing body of resources for teachers to tie these curricular concepts together, and the interdisciplinary framework of sustainability strengthens educational objectives by making all subjects more engaging, significant, and action-oriented. Using an interdisciplinary education model also promotes the systemic thinking necessary for addressing the increasingly complex global issues humanity faces. The world needs responsible citizens and leaders capable of interdisciplinary thought, and it begins with understanding the planet you live on and the way you can impact it.

Events to Inspire

If you're having a tough time linking the concepts of sustainability with your established curriculum, get creative and take it beyond school hours by hosting events that the children coordinate. You could start with a junk sculpture art show, a play about water pollution, an Earth Day celebration, or anything else you can dream up. You can also go green at events that your school already hosts. Have your students set up an informational table with fact sheets and a display describing an important environmental action. Work with the school music teacher to put on an environmental musical for the school's spring concert. You can find a “Rock the World” concert kit at www.kidsforsavingearth.org. Sell reusable water bottles at the season's biggest sporting events. There are countless ways to inspire your community at these regular gatherings.

Prompting Parents

Every teacher knows that a student's academic success is largely determined by parental involvement. Successfully nurturing a child who cares about the environment and who takes action to protect it requires parental support as well. Again, make parents aware of your intentions by sending home letters regularly updating them on the issues you're teaching the students and the actions you're taking at school. Throughout this book, you'll also find ways to have the children take the issues home and get families to take action together.

Keeping It Real

There is no perfect prescription for going green. Everyone has to do it their own way. Just as every child learns in different ways, some of the activities in this book will be more successful than others at teaching different children. Teaching sustainability is not like teaching math. There are facts to remember, but it's much more about critical thinking. It's a process and an outcome, and you should feel comfortable in letting the children guide the journey. Always keep in mind that it is a learning process for everyone and it can make a big difference to the health and welfare of the Earth and its citizens.