A Tiny Seed Guide

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A Tiny Seed Guide

ZAMASAMA PRESENTS

A Guide for Teachers and Parents

Illustration of Wangari Maathai planting a tree with children in a lush green field.

Written and Illustrated
by
Nicola Rijsdijk

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the importance of environmental conservation and reforestation.
  • Recognize the role of education in empowering individuals to effect change.
  • Appreciate the impact of community involvement in addressing environmental issues.
  • Reflect on the qualities of leadership and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Lesson Plan

Students will explore Wangari Maathai’s life and legacy through discussions, storytelling, and interactive activities that emphasize environmental stewardship and community action.

Discussion Questions

Before Reading:

  • What do you know about trees and their importance to the environment?
  • Have you heard of anyone who has made a significant impact on the environment?

During Reading:

  • What challenges did Wangari face in her mission to plant trees?
  • How did Wangari involve others in her efforts?

After Reading:

  • How can one person’s actions lead to widespread change?
  • What can we do in our community to help the environment?

Activities

  • Seed Planting Project: Students plant seeds in biodegradable pots to learn about plant growth and the importance of trees.
  • Environmental Pledge: Each student writes a pledge on how they will contribute to protecting the environment.
  • Role-Playing: In groups, students act out scenes from Wangari’s life to understand her challenges and achievements.

Relevant SDGs:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 15: Life on Land

SDG Explanation:

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education: Wangari’s pursuit of education enabled her to understand environmental issues and advocate for change, highlighting the transformative power of learning.
  • SDG 5 – Gender Equality: By mobilizing women to plant trees and take charge of their communities, Wangari promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment.
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action: The reforestation efforts led by Wangari directly addressed climate change by restoring ecosystems and reducing carbon footprints.
  • SDG 15 – Life on Land: Planting trees helped combat deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and restore degraded land, aligning with the goals of sustainable terrestrial ecosystems.

Recommended Zamasama Stories

  • Jadav and the Tree Place: Single-handedly Jadav plants trees to protect the local flora and fauna. The place was soon a mini jungle.
  • My Little Garden: A little boy and his Dad find a place covered in litter and transform it.

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced awareness of environmental issues and the importance of conservation.
  • Inspiration to take individual and collective action towards environmental sustainability.
  • Development of critical thinking skills through analysis of real-life challenges and solutions.

About Zamasama

Zamasama is a nonprofit platform that brings together stories from around the world to help children discover that beneath our differences—of culture, language, or belief—we share the same hopes, joys, and dreams.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens, and the responsibility of building a more peaceful, tolerant, and empathetic world lies with them.
That’s why it’s vital to instill these values early—through stories that help them rise above the biases they inherit, and see diversity as a strength that unites us all.

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