Toolkit: Talking With Kids About Equitable Nature Access
All children deserve access to the benefits of nature, regardless of race, income, zip code or physical ability. Unfortunately, not all children have equitable access to parks and green spaces.
Finding the words to talk to kids about social and environmental justice can be challenging. This toolkit provides curated lists of age-appropriate resources to help you support children and teens in understanding how long-standing systems of inequity impact access to natural places and what we can do to increase access so that all children can enjoy the benefits of nature.
The human family has invaluable friends and irreplaceable allies in the plant and animal worlds. — Van Jones
Toolkit Components
Send us your feedback and help us improve this toolkit at
conference@childrenandnature.org
Talking to Kids About Difficult Subjects
Wondering how to talk to kids about challenging things they may be experiencing or seeing in the news? These articles can help.
"When something scary is happening, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
— Fred Rogers
Exploring Racism With Kids
Longstanding systems of injustice impact the design, distribution and access of green spaces — holding back some children, especially children of color, from enjoying the health, emotional and academic benefits of nature.
"The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward."
— Ijeoma Oluo
- Dismantling Racism in the Children and Nature Movement (VIDEO)
- 6 Ways to Be Anti-Racist, Because Being 'Not Racist' Isn't Enough
- Talking to Your Kids About Racism
- Talking to Kids About Race
- Talking With Kids About Racism and How to Be Anti-Racist
- 100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice
- Books About Racism and Social Justice
- Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion
- 14 Anti-Racist Books for Kids and Teens Recommended by BIPOC Teachers and Librarians
Exploring Climate Change With Kids
News about climate change is everywhere. These articles and book lists provide helpful suggestions for engaging and empowering children.
"Maybe the work I am doing will encourage them (the children that want to speak up) to do the work I’m doing and we can all make a change."
— Autumn Peltier
Talking With Kids About People With Disabilities
Wondering how to answer kids questions about disabilities? These resources offer guidance to help children gain a better understanding of why some people look, talk, act, or move differently.
"Your kids notice that my kid is different. When adults don’t talk about differences, kids form their own ideas without real information. Silence breeds shame, discomfort, and confusion. Put things out in the open."
— Think Inclusive
Teen Resources for Social Justice and Racism
"If we stand for change, we can spark a popular movement with power, influence, magic and genius."
— Van Jones
Teen Resources for Climate Change
"My responsibility to protect the planet was never really in respect to being an activist. I felt that just as human beings, we have to protect our lands, our earth, our water. That was always the main driving force behind what I do."
— Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
- 19 Youth Climate Activists You Should Be Following on Social Media
- We Deserve to Be Taught About It': Why Students Want Climate Crisis Classes
- 9 Climate Activists of Color You Should Know
- Meet India's Teen Climate Advocate: Ridhima Pandey
- It’s Not Just Greta Thunberg: Why Are We Ignoring the Developing World’s Inspiring Activists?
- Connecting Nature and Education (VIDEO)
Additional Resources for Teachers
These resources offer support to teachers who are opening students' minds to the challenging issues of our time.
"I touch the future. I teach."
— Christa McAuliffe
Inside-Out Leadership Series
Register for upcoming Leadership Series Events and learn more about our art exhibition, NatureFuture: Kids’ Visions for a Just and Nature-filled World.
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