Children’s creative response to bushfire devastation and deforestation regeneration: an analysis of an emergent curriculum and a pedagogy of hope

This chapter explores the catastrophic fires in the Australian summer of 2019/2020 believed to be the consequence of anthropogenic climate change and the urgent need for new research to identify the impact on young children. It is based on data collected over a three-year timeframe at an Early Years Learning Centre at Western Sydney University, which caters for children aged 0-5 years. The perspectives of the children, teacher, and indigenous peoples will be included throughout and tied to researcher interpretations of hope. The presentation began by acknowledging the Aboriginal custodians of the land and their continuing connections to land, waters, and culture. The strong red pencil markings show the movement and intensity of flames as well as the chaotic nature of the blaze. The children produced bushfire artworks using a range of media, such as paint, charcoal, and pencils.