Teaching Notes In Genesis in the Old Testament Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden or paradise. Paradise can be many things to different people but especially to indigenous peoples throughout the world it might be representative of a time when white settlement had not devastated the natural environment. Is it a place in which pollution has not putrified the air we breathe or tainted the water we drink ? Are there roads and cities in paradise or just free open spaces devoid of manmade things ? These issues children find fascinating to explore and they enjoy presenting their ideas on paper or making 3D models. Is it possible to create the paradises they envisage ? This exploration can be undertaken after they have created their paradises and then the practicalities and probabilities can be totally examined and perhaps some action steps decided upon to recreate paradise on earth...for everyone..by beginning within our local communities. De Bono Thinking Hats can be utilised in the process of exploration to guide the development of practical action steps. Why create paradise ? Perhaps this thinking can help us appreciate the true effects our existence has upon the environment, especially upon the oceans and rivers, the forests and bushlands. Children can be encouraged to join local environmental action groups and become involved in the the grassroots issues that affect their local communities, and not feel helpless. These groups can be invited to visit the school and share their knowledge with the students. Information can also be accessed via the Internet.
|