Trees Talk: Are You Listening?

Nature, Narrative and Children’s Anthropocentric Place-Based Play

Abstract

This paper describes a series of experimental play-based activities called “Narrative Journeys” piloted by the author in his work at the Eden Project, UK, which are used to practically, imaginatively and socially connect children to the natural world, and thus encourage place-based learning and cultivate ecological literacy. It argues that anthropomorphic narratives, despite their seemingly human-centric values, can actually help combat the development of anthropocentric attitudes, by the careful framing of objects, collaborative and social action, and with the support of an environmentally sensitive facilitator.