Abstract
This presentation introduces Green Literacy, an innovative educational framework designed to integrate environmental themes into K–5 classrooms through literature, digital media, and inquiry-based learning. Grounded in over fifteen years of classroom teaching and curriculum development, Green Literacy bridges environmental education with language arts by centering children’s books that highlight ecological issues, cultural connections to the land, and student agency. The framework provides educators with ready-to-use thematic units that include fiction and nonfiction texts, digital resources, and hands-on activities that align with best practices in environmental literacy and culturally responsive teaching. Through classroom-based research and field testing, the Green Literacy model has demonstrated how story-driven, student-centered learning can increase engagement, promote systems thinking, and empower students to reflect on their role in caring for the Earth. This paper explores the development of the Green Literacy Handbook, a resource designed to guide educators in implementing the model with flexibility and creativity. Attendees will learn about the instructional design process, classroom applications, and outcomes observed across varied learning environments. The study aims to inspire educators and researchers to consider how literature can be a catalyst for environmental awareness and action in today’s classrooms.
Presenters
Jen Cullerton JohnsonCo Founder, Curriculum and Instruction, Green Literacy, Illinois, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Education, Assessment and Policy
KEYWORDS
Environmental Literacy, Children's Literature, Inquiry-Based Learning, Curriculum Development, Culturally Responsive
