ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on thinking and future centred, and positions elementary children as powerful problem solvers who can readily take an active role in supporting local communities during times of climatic disruption. It illustrates how children can explore and build capability and suggests implications for educators in their encounters with children. The chapter offers practical ideas including a model to support planning, which is illustrated through school-based case studies. It gives children opportunities to practice such skills in a risk-free environment and to rehearse solutions to complex events. Climate change is a dynamic issue and requires a flexible approach. Mental and emotional preparation ameliorates anxiety and builds emotional resilience. Through using a small worlds approach, abstract ideas of climate change can be made accessible to classroom teachers and to elementary children. The chapter illustrates the model in practice as student teachers work with 10 and 11 year olds in a primary school in the South of England, United Kingdom.
