Primary kids strike to tackle climate change
Pupils from St Margaret’s Primary in Johnstone staged their own climate strike as part of a global revolution.
The youngsters have been learning about Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg and her call to action for the world’s young people to protest and urge their governments to take action.
P5 teacher Eileen McMahon said many of the pupils watch Newsround, the BBC children’s news programme, most mornings and were inspired to stage their own climate strike after learning about the global day of action.
Mrs McMahon said: “The climate crisis has been a big topic on Newsround and the children have been really enthusiastic about what is going on.
“I went to the headteacher and asked whether she’d support the children doing one of their own and she agreed. Obviously they were too young to go on strike themselves but we held it at school.
“We held a whole school assembly and our pupil voice group spoke about what the strike was about and why it was important. We also watched a video called The Big Story which explained it all in a child- friendly way.
“We’re very careful not to scare the children about what’s happening with the climate but they know it’s important.”
The children spent time making banners and headbands and at 1pm on Friday afternoon, they took to their playground carrying their protest slogans, banging drums and chanting about why saving the planet is so important.
Mrs McMahon added: “They were buzzing about it, from P1 right up to P7. There was a lot of excitement in the school.
“I think they felt they were part of something important. It also covers a lot of our curriculum with literacy, art and citizenship – it ticks so many boxes.
“Our parents were very supportive too.
“Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to get them involved this time around but I’m sure it won’t be our last event.”
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who is credited with raising global awareness of the risks posed by climate change. The 16-year-old has called for politicians to act now to stop climate change, arguing that it is her generation who will suffer the most.