In short...
Themes: Climate change; taking responsibility for the planet; taking action.
Summary: This assembly has an environmental theme. In the video a primary school pupil explains what she has learnt about climate change and how she feels about it. She is joined by other pupils who consider a range of questions, including 'Do grown-ups care enough about protecting the planet' and 'What can you do to help stop climate change'. The presenter then describes some of the consequences of climate change around the world…but also some of the things we can all do to fight against it.
Resources: the .
The video
The video starts with a young presenter explaining how she learnt about climate change and how she feels about it. We then hear from other children, attempting to answer a variety of questions (see right).
We then return to the original presenter who gives us an explanation of what climate change is and some of its effects. She then gives some more suggestions for ways that pupils could make small changes in their life that could make a difference to climate change.
Questions in the video
- Do you know what climate change means?
- Do you know what causes climate change?
- Is it important to look after the planet?
- What can you do to help stop climate change?
- Do grown ups care enough about protecting the planet?
Key links
Download / print the assembly framework ready for use
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Suggested framework
1. Entry music
You could play by Ludovico Einaudi as pupils enter.
2. Introduction
Begin by asking the pupils to explain what the word 'climate' means. Then ask what 'climate change' means. Explain that the video is going to give us some other children’s thoughts about these things.
3. Play the video.
The duration is 4' 11" and the final words are: '…and even the little things can help.'
4. After the video
Give everyone a few moments to reflect on what they have seen. You could revisit some of the questions asked in the video (see above).
5. Time to talk
Recap the key information that the Earth is warming which is causing ice caps to melt and causing an increase in extreme weather around the world. Ask pupils to remember recent events of extreme weather such as storms or heat waves. Remind them that this could cause problems for people all around the world, such as food shortages.
Take a few examples of things that pupils already do to help slow down climate change - eg walking to school instead of driving. Then invite all the pupils to think of one extra thing they could commit to doing to make a difference - eg they could commit to making sure they always turn their bedroom or classroom light off when they leave the room; they could plant a tree or plant in their garden / playground; they could wear a jumper instead of turning up their heating; they could walk to school on some days instead of being driven by a parent. Invite each class to make a pledge to do one thing to help the climate crisis. They could also write letters to the Government to ask them to take more action.
6. Opportunity to sing
Suggestions from Â鶹ԼÅÄ collections below.
7. Opportunity to reflect
Invite the children to close their eyes and think about the people and animals all around the world who are affected by climate change. Think carefully about the planet we live in and how we can make sure it is still around for generations to come. After all, it’s the only planet we’ve got.
8. Opportunity for prayer
Dear God (or your usual form of address and) and:
Thank you for the wonderful world we live in.
Thank you for all the wonderful plants and animals that we share the world with.
We are sorry that human beings have not always treated this world with the respect that it deserves.
Help us to be good custodians of the planet, and work together with others to keep your planet a safe home for generations to come.
Amen.
Suggested songs
Song: 'He's got the whole world' (Come and Praise, no 19. Vocal version)
He’s got the whole world, in His hand,
He’s got the whole wide world, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world, in His hand.
He’s got the wind and the rain, in His hand,
He’s got the wind and the rain, in His hand,
He’s got the wind and the rain, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world in His hand.
Chorus
He’s got the sun and the moon, in His hand,
He’s got the sun and the moon, in His hand,
He’s got the sun and the moon, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world in His hand.
Chorus
He’s got the plants and the creatures, in His hand,
He’s got the plants and the creatures, in His hand,
He’s got the plants and the creatures, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world in His hand.
Chorus
He’s got everybody here, in His hand,
He’s got everybody here, in His hand,
He’s got everybody here, in His hand,
He’s got the whole world in His hand.
Chorus
Song: 'All things bright and beautiful' (Come and Praise, no 3. Vocal version)
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings:
Chorus
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky:
Chorus
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them everyone:
Chorus
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty
Who has made all things well:
Chorus