Cormac @vinepermaculture chats with Annette Argabright @Permayouth and Lusi Alderslowe @lusispermaculturecourses5560 about Children In Permaculture.
Introduction: A Journey of Stories, Not Distance
In a world often fixated on destinations, the latest episode of The Permaculture Vine Podcast reminds us that the true magic lies in the journey—especially when children are part of the adventure. Host Cormac Harin welcomes guests Lusi Alderslowe, a permaculture educator from Scotland, and Annette Argabright, a homeschooling advocate and permaculture trainer from Texas, to explore how permaculture principles can foster deeper connections between children and nature.
This conversation isn’t about grand expeditions or ticking off milestones. Instead, it’s about the stories we uncover, the clues hidden in nature, and the joy of nurturing curiosity in young minds. Below, we unpack their insights on raising eco-literate, resilient children through permaculture.
1. The Power of Nature Connection
Start Outside
Both Lusi and Annette emphasize that permaculture begins with simple steps: get kids outside. “Connection to nature is foundational,” says Lusi. “Before we teach ‘work with nature,’ children need to understand nature.” This means unstructured play, sensory exploration, and letting curiosity lead the way.
Role Modeling Over Lecturing
Children learn by imitation. “Put your phone away,” Annette advises. “If you’re present, they’ll mirror that engagement.” Lusi adds, “It’s about breathing in and breathing out—balancing guided learning with self-directed discovery.” Whether puddle-jumping or identifying bird calls, adults set the tone by embracing wonder themselves.
Practical Tip:
- Weatherproof Adventures: Invest in waterproof gear. Rainy days become opportunities for splashing, mud kitchens, and observing how ecosystems respond to water.
2. Language, Storytelling, and “Naming the World”
The Lost Words Revolution
Lusi highlights a critical shift: reclaiming nature’s vocabulary. Words like “dandelion” or “acorn” were recently removed from children’s dictionaries to make room for tech terms. “Specific language is a gateway,” she explains. Knowing a plant’s name sparks curiosity about its uses, history, and role in the ecosystem.
Stories as Teaching Tools
Annette shares how storytelling transforms hikes into quests. “We look for clues—animal tracks, chewed leaves, bird nests—and invent tales about them.” For example, a beech tree’s spear-shaped buds and shield-like leaves inspired a mythical “battle” story, helping kids remember its features.
Practical Tip:
- Use Apps Sparingly: Tools like iNaturalist aid identification, but encourage kids to invent names first. A “furry-leafed plant” becomes a character in their imagination.
3. Pedagogy: How We Teach Matters
Child-Led Learning
Permaculture pedagogy prioritizes how over what. “Kids have short attention spans,” says Lusi. “A 5-year-old can focus for 5 minutes. Follow that with hands-on activities.” Annette agrees: “I let my grandsons choose what to explore. Our hike might end at a tree swing, but the detours—like counting mushrooms or balancing on logs—are where learning happens.”
Gamify Education
Both educators use games to teach permaculture ethics:
- Earth Care: Build “bug hotels” or symmetry art with pinecones and seed heads.
- People Care: Role-play fair sharing during harvests.
- Future Care: Plant native species and track growth over seasons.
Practical Tip:
- The 800-Activity Database: Visit Children in Permaculture for free, searchable ideas tailored to ages 3–12.
4. Risk-Taking: Building Resilience
Let Them Fall (Literally)
“Risk aversion harms resilience,” Lusi argues. Climbing trees, whittling sticks, or balancing on rocks teach problem-solving. Annette laughs, “My grandson once ditched math for pelican-watching. Later, he realized being outdoors cleared his mind—he finished his work faster!”
The Conker Comeback
Lusi laments lost traditions like conker battles (a UK game with horse chestnuts), now banned in many schools. “Risk isn’t recklessness. It’s calculated challenges that build confidence.”
Practical Tip:
- Create “Adventure Zones”: Designate areas where kids can climb, dig, and explore with minimal intervention.
5. Resources for Parents and Educators
The Children in Permaculture Manual
Co-authored by Lusi, this guide offers lesson plans aligned with permaculture ethics. Download it here.
Courses to Explore:
- Engaging Children in Permaculture (Online): A 4-session Zoom course by Lusi and Annette.
- Family Permaculture Programs: Annette’s regenerative families course blends Zoom activities with outdoor missions.
- Teacher Training in Spain: Lusi’s April 2024 workshop focuses on adapting permaculture for young learners.
Local Action:
- Join or start a permaculture playgroup.
- Partner with schools to create outdoor classrooms.
Conclusion: Cultivating the Next Generation
Permaculture isn’t just about gardens—it’s about growing resilient, curious humans. As Annette reflects, “It’s not the distance covered, but the stories uncovered.” By slowing down, embracing mess, and letting children lead, we nurture stewards who see nature not as a resource, but as a relative.
Call to Action:
- Listen to the Full Episode: The Permaculture Vine Podcast.
- Share Your Story: Tag #ChildrenInPermaculture with your family’s outdoor adventures.
- Learn Together: Enroll in a course or download free resources today.
As Lusi reminds us, “If it’s not fun, it’s not sustainable.” Let’s make the world a playground again.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Lusi Alderslowe Introduction
03:00 Annette Argabright Introduction
05:33 Children in Permaculture
07:51 Pedagogy 10:31 Teaching Permaculture as a Parent
12:37 Getting Kids Outside 15:06 The use of Language
26:49 Taking your Time With the Kids
31:42 Risk Aversion in Nature
34:19 Teaching as a Permaculture Professional
39:14 Permaculture Teacher Training
43:22 Crystal Heier’s Special Education course
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