To solve the problems of tomorrow, we need all students to invest in understanding their relationship to our climate and see themselves as active, empowered citizens of our world. Facts and data alone seldom help people find themselves in relationship to the environment. Instead, we can better-generate empathy and elicit a response by understanding others people’s personal stories (i.e. their narratives). Reading, writing, and discourse -- all ELA skills -- are central to accessing narratives and making scientific sense of the world around us. From indigenous cultures to western science to migrant students, narratives position students to lead in the learning about climate science.

In this one-day workshop, we will explore how first-hand knowledge and experiences with climatic events are central to navigating a richness of narratives. Participants will engage in close reading and academic language strategies that support inclusion, empowerment, and participation in climate science and literacy learning. 

ClimeTime is a statewide initiative of the Washington Governor, the Washington State Legislature, OSPI, and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). Participation is paid for by the Washington State Legislature’s 2018 Climate Science Proviso.

This class is designed to target 3-5, but we have found that K-8 are also a good match for the course content.