Storytelling for a Greener World: Environment, Community, and Story-based Learning

Storytelling for a Greener World is a treasury of forty-three stories, creative activities, techniques, tips, and descriptions of inspiring practice to both empower newcomers and seasoned storytellers. The book provides a handy, unique, and authoritative resource for developing innovative story-work and will be a key sourcebook of lasting usefulness.

This handbook offers time-tested stories, creative activities, and methods that environmental educators and storytellers can use to encourage sound environmental behavior. Whether it is a brief mention of seeing a skein of geese flying in an evening sky or children from a rough area being inspired by kittiwakes, both adults and children can engage profoundly with nature through the imaginative power of story, with lasting personal and environmental changes.

Storytelling for a Greener World explores the links between storytelling and emotional literacy; place and environmental justice; connecting with alienated youngsters and encouraging children and adult curiosity about nature; building community and sustainability; indigenous peoples and local legends; human–animal communication and how to co-create a sustainable future together.

Contents:

Foreword by Jonathon Porritt
Introduction
21 Chapters in 5 Parts:
1. Core Ideas and Techniques
2. Becoming Familiar with Stories
3. In and Around the City
4. In the Great Outdoors
5. Engaging the Wider Community
Bibliography
Recommended Resources
Index

“If we are to be able to move to a more sustainable, more resilient future, we first have to be able to imagine it. We need to be able to tell its stories, weave its magic, bring it alive so we can see, smell, hear, taste, and touch it. Storytelling for a Greener World does just that, showing the powerful role storytelling can play, and the rich insights the storytellers bring with them. It is rich, powerful and of immense importance.” ―Rob Hopkins, co-founder, Transition Network

“This book promises to give teachers and others a rare opportunity to meet many of their educational mandates in one resource." ―Raney Bench, Curator of Education, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, Maine

“If we are to be able to move to a more sustainable, more resilient future, we first have to be able to imagine it. We need to be able to tell its stories, weave its magic, bring it alive so we can see, smell, hear, taste and touch it. 'Storytelling for a Greener World' does just that, showing the powerful role storytelling can play, and the rich insights the storytellers bring with them. It is rich, powerful and of immense importance.” ―Rob Hopkins, co-founder of Transition Network