Caring

Children in the early grades are developing values they will have for a lifetime. Young children need //motivation// to help them engage in learning experiences where they gather knowledge and understanding. Ultimately only children who develop a sense of caring will grow up to be world citizens who participate in sustaining our world environment for life as we know it. Most children start to care when they make a personal connection through:
 * Children's literature
 * Direct observations and experiences
 * Reflection or recording of observations through art, music, and poetry
 * Knowledge of the plant, animal, or habitat
 * Action or service to help the plant, animal or habitat

Children become much more invested in their learning when they create their own questions about the living things they are investigating.