Submitted | Interactive and Storytelling Resources for Climate Change Education: A Content Analysis of Grade 3 Learning Materials in Kenya

Sarah Otanga

Research article submitted to the South African Journal of Environmental Education

Abstract: Climate change is the most pressing issue that has long-term implications for a country’s sustainable development. Through education, imparting knowledge and skills on climate change adaptation and mitigation can result in positive behavioural change. Involving the younger generation, who are mostly left out of much of the discourse around climate change solutions, is also paramount. Interactive resources and storytelling can help educators creatively deliver climate change and resilience information to learners. In this study, a content analysis of the available interactive and storytelling resources focusing on climate change education was conducted. The challenges and opportunities in using these resources were also explored. The study combines desktop review, content analysis, and semi-structured interviews with Grade 3 teachers from a school in Kenya. The findings indicate that interactivity is present but mostly focuses on discussion and picture interpretations. Other forms of interactivity are rarely used. The findings also indicate limited use of stories in the form of songs and poems. Narratives are not embedded in the resources. Interviews with teachers identified three key opportunities: interactive resources to enhance learner engagement, technology-integrated learning and parental involvement. Challenges include limited access to digital infrastructure, limited availability of relevant resources and lack of localised materials. Recommendations include diversifying storytelling resources, deepening interactivity, and leveraging digital tools such as H5P and e-storybooks.

Keywords: Climate change education, Grade 3, storytelling, interactive resources, climate change literacy