Ecological Well-Being and Children's Literature on Trees: Novel Implications for English Language Arts Education

• In Event: 66.089 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 13 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 66.089-7 - Literature as a Lens to the Future: Depictions of Education and Teaching in Children's and Young Adult Literature

Abstract

In these times of climate change and ecocide, English language arts educators are challenged to attend more fully to questions of ecological well-being. This presentation queries literature education today, contrasts well-being with ecological well-being, and explores the significant rise in children's and young adult literature on trees. It considers how this literature (to quote from the Lorax) variously represents and “speaks for the trees.” Findings indicate diverse yet succinct important themes related to trees and well-being, and a mix of anthropocentric and eco-centric attention. Introducing this literature and engaging in discussion regarding ecological well-being in English classrooms can valuably support the cultivation of transformative consciousness in the Anthropocene.

Authors

• Claudia Eppert, University of Alberta

• Kara Snoble, University of Alberta