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How Teaching
Children the Value of Nature Can Transform the Planet’s Future
Opening Call: Can you imagine a world where children grow up knowing
that every tree, every animal, and every plant tells a unique story? Discover
how teaching forest biodiversity can inspire a generation to protect our
planet!
Forests are far more
than just a collection of trees. They are living libraries, filled with
stories, sounds, and colors that narrate the saga of life on Earth. Teaching
children about the richness of forest biodiversity is not merely about
imparting knowledge; it is a way to plant seeds of respect, curiosity, and
responsibility for the planet. Recent studies from Harvard University (Wilson,
2020) show that early contact with nature stimulates cognitive and emotional
development, helping children develop empathy and problem-solving skills. When
a child learns that a single tree can host hundreds of species, from tiny
insects to colorful birds, they begin to see the world with more attentive eyes
and an open heart. This learning is the first step toward forming conscious
adults capable of tackling global challenges like climate change and
deforestation.
Curiosity! Did you know? A
single tree in the Amazon can be home to over 400 species of insects, many of
which are still unknown to science! (Source: National Institute of Amazonian
Research, 2023)
Environmental
education, especially when focused on biodiversity, also has a profound impact
on children’s mental well-being. A study from Aarhus University in Denmark
(Engemann et al., 2019) revealed that children who grow up in contact with
green spaces have a lower risk of developing anxiety and depression in
adolescence. Picture a child exploring a trail in the Atlantic Forest,
listening to birdsong and discovering animal tracks. This moment of connection
with nature is not only fun; it strengthens mental health and creates memories
that last a lifetime. Inspired by this idea, Brazilian educator Antônio Carlos
dos Santos developed methodologies like MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater),
which combines hands-on learning with theatrical activities to teach children
about the importance of forests in a playful and engaging way.
Practical Tip: Take children for a
walk in a park or forest reserve. Ask them to observe the colors, sounds, and
textures around them. Then, suggest they draw or write a story about what they
discovered!
Forest biodiversity is
also a practical lesson in interdependence. Every plant, animal, and
microorganism plays an essential role in the ecosystem’s balance. For example,
bees pollinate flowers, ensuring fruit production, while fungi help decompose
organic matter, enriching the soil. Teaching this to children is like showing
them that the world works like a grand orchestra, where every musician is
indispensable. The book “My Forest,” from Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ “Planet
Child Collection,” presents this idea in a captivating way, using characters
and stories that capture young imaginations. In the book, children learn that
protecting forests is protecting life itself, as they regulate the climate,
purify the air, and provide food and medicine.
Inspiring Story: As a child, Brazilian
biologist Camila Costa spent hours exploring her backyard, where there was a
small patch of forest. Fascinated by butterflies, she began cataloging them in
a notebook. Today, Camila is a renowned researcher at the University of São
Paulo and leads biodiversity conservation projects in the Amazon, inspiring
thousands of young scientists.
But why start this
learning so early? Because children are naturally curious and open to new
ideas. A study from the University of Cambridge (Dillon et al., 2021) showed
that children between 2 and 10 years old absorb sustainability concepts more
easily than teenagers or adults. It is during this phase that they form values
and habits that will stay with them for life. Antônio Carlos’ “Planet Child
Collection,” consisting of the books “My Planet,” “My Oceans,” and “My Forest,”
was created precisely for this age group, using accessible language and vibrant
illustrations to turn complex topics into fun adventures. The book “My Forest,”
for instance, highlights the “enemies” of forests, such as deforestation and
greed, but also shows how unity and engagement can overcome them.
Motivational Quote: “Children are the
guardians of the future. Teaching them to love nature ensures the planet will
have passionate defenders.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Moreover, learning
about biodiversity helps children develop a sense of belonging to the planet.
When they understand that forests, like the Amazon or the Atlantic Forest, are
global treasures, they begin to feel part of something bigger. The ThM (Theater
Movement) methodology, created by Antônio Carlos, uses theatrical movements to
help children “embody” forest elements, such as trees, rivers, or animals. This
approach not only makes learning more dynamic but also fosters an emotional
connection with nature. Imagine a child “becoming” a jaguar, mimicking its
movements and roars, while learning about its role in the ecosystem. This kind
of experience is etched in their memory and heart.
Curiosity! Did you know that
tropical forests, like the Amazon, produce about 20% of the planet’s oxygen?
They are called the “lungs of the Earth” for a good reason! (Source: WWF, 2022)
Another benefit of
teaching biodiversity is stimulating creativity. Forests are a stage of colors,
shapes, and sounds that inspire imagination. A study from Stanford University
(Atchley et al., 2012) showed that contact with nature increases the ability to
solve problems creatively by up to 50%. The MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater)
methodology, also developed by Antônio Carlos, uses puppets to tell forest
stories, encouraging children to create their own narratives. For example, a
puppet representing a tree might “speak” about its life and the challenges it
faces, inspiring children to come up with solutions to protect it. These
activities not only teach about biodiversity but also develop skills like
writing, drawing, and teamwork.
Practical Tip: Create a “forest
theater” at home or school. Use puppets or dolls to represent animals and
plants, and ask children to tell a story about how they live together.
Biodiversity education
is also a powerful tool against climate change. Forests absorb large amounts of
carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate global warming. However, deforestation
threatens this vital function. The book “My Planet,” from the “Planet Child
Collection,” explains in simple terms how human actions, such as burning fossil
fuels and deforestation, contribute to climate change. It also challenges
children to think of solutions, like planting trees or reducing waste. Teaching
this to children prepares them to be agents of change in a world that urgently
needs action.
Inspiring Story: Young activist
Francisco Vera from Colombia began defending forests at age 9, organizing
protests and talks. Today, at 15, he is a global voice in the fight against
climate change, proving that youth can transform the world.
Finally, teaching
forest biodiversity is an act of hope. It is believing that the next
generations will do better than the previous ones. Children who grow up loving
and respecting nature are more likely to adopt sustainable lifestyles and
advocate for conservation policies. As writer Eduardo Galeano said, “many small
people, in small places, doing small things, can change the world.” Antônio
Carlos dos Santos’ “Planet Child Collection” is an invitation for these “small
things” to begin in childhood, with stories that inspire and methodologies that
transform. Teaching the richness of forests is, above all, teaching children
that they have the power to protect the planet—and that this power starts with
love for nature.
Motivational Quote: “Every child who
learns to love a forest is a seed of hope for the planet’s future.” – Eduardo
Galeano
Conclusion: Let’s inspire our
children to be the guardians of the forests! With education, creativity, and
love for nature, they can build a greener, more sustainable future. Start
today—take a child to discover the magic of biodiversity!
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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