One of my favorite experiences in teaching was “nature time,” as my students called it. Myself and a few other staff would take our students into a safe place in the woods. I would gather all the kids and say “There are two rules for the next hour. 1) Do not harm any living thing. 2) You must always be able to see a staff member. Now go!”

Often, kids would sit their stunned…unsure of what to do. It would take about 10 minutes for students to realize they had time to just play, as long as they were safe about it. Sometimes kids would just chat, thankful to be able to relax. Sometimes they would build forts. One time I had a gaggle of students come back with only a smile not covered in mud.

This freedom is the basis of Home Rule, and I think it can be used to fight the Climate Crisis.