START THEM YOUNG

(How adults can enable children to help build a Smarter Planet)

1.       Teach children about the causes and consequences of environmental destruction and how to avoid them;

2.       Walk your talk – let the children see/observe your own efforts or contribution to environmental preservation;

3.       Help children live out what they learn by guiding and encouraging them to observe basic principles such as waste segregation, recycling, and conserving water and electricity. Post colorful/attractive reminders in key areas of the house so the children (and everyone else) will always be reminded;

4.       Instill in children good values such as social responsibility, respect for environment and nature and human life, and a deep sense of awe for God who created the earth; 

5.       Let each child plant a tree and take care of it until it grows; help the child and tree grow together;

6.       Provide children with books, CDs and other informative materials (with lots of illustrations) to help them grow in knowledge and appreciation of the environment;

7.       Reinforce children’s theoretical knowledge about environmental conditions by exposing them to the ideal and the catastrophic (e.g. get them on a field trip to see both a clean and a dirty river so they can actually see and appreciate the difference);

8.       Help children share their knowledge with other children;  encourage them to talk about their views as well as feelings and provide them opportunities to share experiences and views; let them ask questions and always be prepared to answer truthfully, accurately, and completely;

9.       Let the children have a friendly pet so they can learn how to value life;

10.     Whenever an opportunity presents itself, grab the chance to teach children valuable lessons. There is always something to learn if you’re keen enough.

RESTY A. ESPIRITU, CITY of MANILA, Philippines #gdchallenge