First Steps in Teaching Climate Change to K-3 Learners

Today, we’re beginning a brand-new series exploring climate change, sustainability, and environmental learning in BC schools.Over the next few episodes, we’ll dig into what these ideas can actually look like in real classrooms — not as something extra to add onto already full plates, but as a way to deepen the learning we’re already doing through connection, curiosity, inquiry, and meaningful experiences.Most of us recognize that climate change and sustainability are real and important issues. We trust the science, and we know young people are growing up in a world where these conversations matter. At the same time, there are real systemic barriers. Many educators haven’t had opportunities for professional development or support in this area, so it can feel difficult to picture what environmental and climate learning actually looks like in day-to-day classroom practice.There are also incredible frameworks and resources available, but many educators either don’t know these documents exist or don’t have the time and support to fully unpack them. Sometimes these frameworks can feel academic or overwhelming at first glance. They require time to sit with, interpret, and translate into authentic classroom experiences.This series hopes to make these ideas feel more accessible.Throughout the series, we’ll explore practical strategies, real classroom examples, case studies, and ways educators can take one small idea and begin. Because this work doesn’t have to start with a massive project or unit. Often, it begins with noticing, wondering, asking questions, and helping children build relationships with the places around them — something many educators are already doing.In today’s episode, Alisa Paul and I explore the Climate Change Connections to the BC Curriculum document released by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and the Ministry of Education in September 2025. We discuss how frameworks like these can become flexible, supportive tools for educators rather than just another document sitting unread on a website.In this episode, we discuss:What climate change is How to approach climate conversations in hopeful and realistic ways rather than through fear or doomInsights from the 2025 Learning for a Sustainable Future report: From Awareness to ActionPractical classroom strategies and examples for K–3 educatorsHow climate literacy looks different across grade levelsSupporting students emotionally while helping them build knowledge and skillsWhat climate literacy can look like for educators themselvesSix climate action strategies educators can begin exploring in their classroomsWhether you’re brand new to climate education or already integrating environmental learning into your practice, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged, supported, and inspired to begin with one small step.https://lsf-lst.ca/wp-content/uploads/Final-Executive-Summary-2025.pdfhttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/climate-literacy/bc_climate_change_curriculum_k-3.pdfhttps://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/about-climate-change/https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/education-programs-toolkits/master-of-disaster