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The problem we identified during the practice project for New Earth was mostly one of mindset. We recognized a lack of empathy and care for nature and other non-human organisms and systems, because we humans are not trained to be aware of the condition of these organisms and systems. To catch this issue at its roots, we focused on children and how to teach them skills that help them take better care of nature and the earth’s ecosystem, such as empathy, care and respect.

In my research, I looked towards theoretical support in the field of psychology. From children’s psychotherapist Katie Hurley I learned a couple of important principles about the importance of empathy and how to help children develop this. A research paper by Kristin Layous et al gave me interesting insights in the positive effects that caring or doing something nice for someone/something can have on the mental health of children.

Looking for a way to make children aware of their place in the world around them I stumbled upon the field of children’s art education. In this the writings of Viktor Lowenfeld, who saw art and creativity as a way to teach children sensitivity. This inspired me to conduct and interview with Victor Elberse, who teaches on the drawing station at WdKA, but also teaches art to young children at an elementary school in Kralingen. He pointed me towards the importance of play in learning and developing skills such as sensitivity and empathy.

All these fields of research combined in the theoretical basis for our final project. The direct link between the project and some of the above research got lost because of the need to find a certain focus for the project, but all of these theories played an important role in putting down the theoretical basis.

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