Welcome to our website.

MASC to the eco-beat books are unique. A fusion of fiction and non-fiction, they provide a wealth of opportunities for children in key stage 2 to engage in music, art, stories and creative activities (embracing poetry, drama and dance), to extend learning about environmental issues, and develop communication and collaboration. Step by step guidance is provided to allow non-specialist teachers, club leaders and parents to deliver the activities, with all music audio, instrumental parts and teacher guides available for free download from the menu.

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The author has an extensive background in education and an informed knowledge of how children respond and learn through interaction with their peers in performance. The unique illustrations, by Stu McLellan, bring the story characters to life, the books design creating a cohesive experience. For classroom use, learning will be enhanced when children can directly access the book individually, in pairs or small groups. Therefore, it is recommended that multiple copies are considered for purchase according to the class demographic. Book 1 of the series, Ava Goes Green, has a focus on plastic pollution and its impact on their environment as seen through the eyes of birds, animals, and a group of children. Book 2, Ava Gets Active and Book 3*, Ava Goes Global, follow the children as they actively help to protect our ecosystem.

 

As you explore the menu we hope you will discover that the performing and creative arts are at the heart of our message delivery to young people about pollution and climate change: Fundamental environmental issues that are having a devastating impact on the planet. There is now an urgency to recognise that our habitual behaviour is contributing to this impending catastrophe. But if we are to fight climate change collectively, on a national and global level, we need to involve children, not just in the awareness, but in understanding the process both in terms of consequence of action and providing solutions. Finding that an integrated arts approach to environmental issues may develop understanding, memory retention, and also affect behaviour of young people, could be crucial and provide an exciting and effective approach to creating solutions. (See Research Summary from the menu.)

Above all, MASC to the eco-beat books will be fun for children and adults to work through, discover and discuss.

 

Enjoy!

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Rona D. Linklater

 

*Book 2-3 awaiting publication