LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 24:2 February 2024
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Reviving Storytelling for Environmental Literacy:
A Focus on Children Aged 4-12

Dr. Resmi Prakash

Abstract

This research paper explores the potential of storytelling as a means to revive environmental literacy and empathy, particularly targeting children aged 4-12. The paper draws on ecocentric theories and existing research to argue that children's literature, with its simple language, subtle plots, and sentient settings, can serve as a powerful tool for developing environmental intimacy and subsequently literacy. The study emphasizes the need to create and nurture an instinctual kinship with nature in children, with the ultimate goal of fostering a sense of responsibility and citizenship for environmental protection. The pilot study, conducted in schools in Kerala with a student beneficiary count of 500, provides preliminary insights into the effectiveness of incorporating storytelling into environmental education.

Keywords: Environmental literacy, Empathy, Storytelling, Children's literature, Ecocentrism, Pilot study, Sustainable solutions.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The growing environmental concerns highlight the need for effective strategies to cultivate environmental literacy and empathy, particularly among younger children. This paper focuses on utilizing storytelling, specifically through children's literature that decentralises the human element, as a means to address this challenge.

1.2 Objectives

The primary objectives of this research are to underscore the importance of storytelling in nurturing environmental literacy, especially in children aged 4-12, and to explore the potential impact of such initiatives on environmentally empathetic behaviour and decision-making.

Narratives involving plants, animals, and insects are posited as powerful tools to foster compassion toward all living beings, transcending the anthropocentric narratives. This becomes especially relevant in urban settings where a direct connection to nature may be lacking, and stories serve as a conduit for building that vital link. By weaving tales that intricately involve the natural world, this research seeks to illuminate how narratives can ignite a sense of connection and compassion toward plants, animals, land, rivers and mountains and other living beings ignored or feared.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. Resmi Prakash, M.Phil., Ph.D.
Viswasanthi Foundation, Kochi, Kerala
resmipalissery502@gmail.com
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