Journey for the Planet: A Kid's Five Week Adventure to Create an Earth-friendly Life
Journey for the Planet. . . is an environmental adventure . . . Much more than planting seeds in a milk carton and watching them grow . . . the focus is on everyday habits and how to take action . . . there was no mistaking the feeling of empowerment and seriousness of purpose which rippled through the fifth graders [who completed the program].The New York TimesKids Respond toJourney for the PlanetI learned a lot of different ways to help the environment. It wasn t hard at all. I will definitely continue to do Earth Actions such as wear a sweater to conserve energy. It s up to us to make a difference.Paul, Sturbridge, MAIt is fun to do! I ve learned a lot from these actions. I m teaching my brother and my parents. We have made a big difference in one week.Mary, Minneapolis, MNWhat I liked best in this week sJourneywas the way my family and I worked together to save the Earth.Christie, Mt. Tremper, NYTeachers respond toJourney for the Planet"Kids loved the program. They loved the sense of empowerment, that they had choices, that they were on their honor, and that they were in the drivers seat and had control. This was the best thing we did all year."John Barron, 6th grade teacher, Sturbridge, MA"Kids that NEVER do work, or ever bring anything back and forth between home and school, responded overwhelmingly and worked hard to achieve their Global Hero points."Tracy Licata, 5th grade teacher, Gansevoort, NY"This program fills a void that needs filling. Standard environmental education curricula don't have a program like this that focuses on personal habits and actions, and relates it to what we can do for the planet... I was a little uncertain how parents would respond. What happened was that parents called and said what I was doing was wonderful. There was no negative feedback from any of 60 parents in the two classes."Steve Price, 6th grade science teacher, Cape Elizabeth, ME"The program was easy to use. The kids could do any of the Earth Actions in one sitting at home in an evening. And, they could see their progress and that they really made a difference."Jan MacKenzie-Polanski, 4th grade teacher, Minneapolis, MN"The children's enthusiasm is fabulous and their desire to do more and more, beyond the original plan, is very satisfying. When two 4th grade students came in the garden and very proudly shared their "no-garbage lunches" with me, I knew this was a fantastic journey they were on indeed."Caprice Potter, 4th grade teacher, Santa Cruz, CA--*ReasonsJourney for the Planetis successfulThe children who participate in the program are excited, and find the program easy to use. The following are the reasonsJourney for the Planetis successful:It allows children to "walk their talk." Children care a great deal about the issue and have a general notion about what they are supposed to do, but they don't know how to actually do it in their own lives.Children see how their actions make a difference. They understand an issue and immediately see how what they can do affects that issue.Children in classrooms are so excited about this program they see it as "fun" and not as "schoolwork."Actions are presented in an easy-to-follow, exciting graphic format.It is not about thinking of taking action, or studying possible actions it's about actually taking action.It's about what the child can do himself or herself. It's not about what someone else can do.It allows non-academically oriented students to shine, since the program is hands-on and practical.--*It is fun to do! I've learned a lot from these actions. I'm teacher my brother and my parents. We have made a big difference in one week. --M. Chi