ABSTRACT
Environmental educators should try to emphasize the love of place and life over the social/political love of nation. This emphasis need not involve dramatic criticism of national patriotism. This chapter looks at three broad areas of preparation for environmental citizenship that can be promoted and guided by elementary school teachers. It considers by recommending a renewal of richer, deeper aims in education. Place-based education invites interdisciplinary study; every subject in the curriculum can contribute to it and profit from it. The chapter provides connection and meaning to studies that sometimes deteriorate to a mere memorization of facts. The uneasy connection between love of natural place and nationalism is illustrated in a discussion that arises now and then over our national anthem. The connection between environmental education and peace education becomes obvious. Supporting the active engagement of children with the natural environment should be part of a larger program of education that respects the full range of human talents and interest.
