globalbriefs
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Age-Appropriate Lessons The Ocean Project Reaches Out to Teens and Tweens
Encouraging children’s appreciation for nature and their concern for the environment must be approached in age-appropriate ways. Some educators and parents with good intentions teach young children by delving into serious environmental issues such as disappearing spe- cies, deforestation and climate change before the children possess the cognitive maturity and background knowledge necessary to fully un- derstand the issues.
If children learn abstract information before they have a chance to connect with the natural world, they may end up being confused and the message may not yield results. So, The Ocean Project has developed a new section of its website (TheOcean-
Project.org) with tips and resources for educators working with young children. Research suggests that when children spend time engaged in nature and outdoor activities, they are more likely to become long-term stewards of our planet. Children could, for example, begin connecting with nature by learning about plants and animals in their backyard, exploring a nearby park or visiting a zoo, aquarium or museum. Empathy, followed by exploration, should be the main objectives in establishing a connection between children and their environment. The Ocean Project’s research has shown that youths ages 12 through 17 are a key audience for improving our ocean planet. Not only is this age group more concerned about environmental issues, they are also more willing than many adults to take action to help the environment. They also exert a huge amount of influence within their households, because parents often view their children as more informed about current environmental issues than they are.
This forward-looking age group already reports more involvement with ocean and climate conservation activities than any other age group, but their potential for taking action is far from fully realized.
Sacred Vows Most Americans View Marriage
Positively A new Ras- mussen Re- ports national telephone survey of 1,000 adults found that 56 percent of married respondents regard their marriages as excellent,
while 29 percent categorize them as good. Just 1 percent report that their married life is poor. Although Ameri- cans seem overwhelmingly to rate their marriages as good or excellent, those married five years or less are the most enthusiastic, and women are more likely than men to say their marriages are good.
The questions did not define mar- riage, but 56 percent of adults think it is very important as an institution to U.S. society. Forty-seven percent feel that children are a very important factor in a marriage’s longevity. Eighty per- cent of all Americans believe it is very important for children to grow up in a home with both their parents rather than parents that are divorced.
natural awakenings August 2011
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