Ownership and sense of place. Increasing need for shade. At this point we usually have a diverse system teeming with life and interest, a rich cooperative learning space with connection to the outside world. Up to this point the role play is a fun way to demonstrate principles of permaculture as well as exploring design for children. We can go on to look at how the system evolves with time.
Students roleplay appropriate elements and place themselves in relation to each other.
There could be a swing or a sandpit without shade, maybe a misplaced tree, a flower or two, a birdbath the cat drinks from and the odd worm. The animals and plants have all moved out - there are no worms now that the soil is compact and dead. A sandpit cowers in a cage. Concrete, wind tunnels and carparks abound. Fortunately, permaculture is bursting into life in schoolgrounds around the world, thanks to visionaries working alongside children to improve the quality of life and education in the school environment.