CREATION CARE KIDS

Problem Solvers

Topics such as pollution, endangered species, and climate change can be dispiriting or even frightening for both children and adults. However, we must be courageous and creative to solve these problems. In On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis outlines many of the problems we need to solve together. In Chapter 6 of the encyclical, he says ecological education is an essential part of the solution. 

This resource offers examples of many inspirational people, both children and adults, who are creation caretakers in various fields. Their stories will give you motivation, encouragement, and insight. Find areas that interest you and get ideas of how others have made positive change. This resource can be used as a classroom resource to design lessons and/or guide children in directed study.

​Beyond focusing simply on the specifics of each situation or story, be sure the step back and look at the bigger picture. “Only by cultivating sound virtues,” writes Pope Francis, “Will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment.”  What virtues can you learn from these problems solvers and start using in your life? 

Files to download:

Get started with this introduction and overview.
Learn about particular endangered animals and the problem solvers who are working to protect them.
These famous creation caretakers have inspired many people through the years and helped us better understand how to care for God's creation.
Learn about these people who went before us, some dying to care for our common home.
These children problem solvers have had an amazing impact!
Here is a list of additional problem solvers and the areas in which they work.
Want a full Scripture-based classroom resource with handouts and lessons?

Creation Care Kids Mini-Curriculum

An ancillary curriculum for teaching Pope Francis' encyclical

This curriculum has been designed to be flexible—formatted in short segments—so that they can be added to your existing catechetical program or combined into longer sessions.
  • Teaches the lessons of On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
  • Each session comes with a two-page child handout and leader handout with talking points.
  • Editions for two age groups: ages 5-8 and ages 9-12.
  • Eight 20-45 minute sessions: add to your program or combine into longer sessions.
  • Designed for classrooms with one leader or as a whole family process.
  • Uses stories, activities, and Scripture to bring these topics alive.
  • Designed to work with our Creation Care Music collection.