Biological Empathy (Systems Thinking) · Connected Through Play

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Biological Empathy (Systems Thinking)

When I think of biology, I think of Mr. Herzog, my high school biology teacher. He was one of the few male teachers in an all-girls school, a man who lived his own version of "not existing in isolation" every single day! Looking back, how I didn't get into more trouble in his class is beyond me, but his lessons stuck with me in ways I didn’t expect.

The most profound lesson biology teaches us is that nothing exists in isolation. Every plant, insect, and human is a vital thread in a massive, living web.

In today’s achievement-obsessed world, our kids often feel like "lone wolves." They carry the heavy burden of believing their success or failure rests entirely on their own shoulders. It’s an incredibly isolating way to live but biology tells a different story. It shows us that "mattering" isn’t about standing alone at the top of a podium; it’s about being an essential part of a larger system. When we explore nature with our children, we help them move from "Me" to "We." We show them they are part of a resilient, interconnected world.

This perspective shifts them from being performers under pressure to being stewards of their environment and their community.

I’d like you to think back to a time you felt truly supported by your 'web' whether it was family, friends, or a community. How can we help our children recognize the invisible threads that are supporting them right now? This is one I still struggle with so your ideas are warmly welcomed.

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