Introducing the Life Cycle to Young Children: Building Empathy and Emotional Resilience

Presented by Dr. Carla Gull, Associate Professor, Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College; and Dr. Laura Wilhelm, VP of Professional Learning Services, Kaplan Early Learning Company

Sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning Company

Come along on an eye-opening journey of discovery as we introduce the full life cycle to young children, including the natural processes of death, decay, and decomposition. While not a typical component of life cycle discussions, understanding death in a natural context helps children get to know the natural rhythms of life.

In this edWebinar, you’ll see how these often-overlooked aspects of nature provide rich opportunities for young children to build social skills, as well as understanding, empathy, and emotional resilience. You’ll also learn developmentally appropriate ways to guide children in understanding life cycles as more than just beginnings, they’re about transformations, endings, and the beauty of renewal. This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-3 teachers, librarians, and school leaders.