Subject: Using Stories to Teach System Dynamics

Posted by Della Robinson on 12/27/2010
In Reply To:Using Stories to Teach System Dynamics Posted by Bill Braun on 12/27/2010

Message:

Bill,

Your post reminds me of a book written by Linda Booth Sweeney, "When a Butterfly Sneezes." (It should be italicized.) Below is a cut-and-paste that I removed from the Pegasus Communications website. Pegasus Communications provides print materials on ST, as well as a conference, etc.


"Kids face all sorts of situations throughout their lives that demand their understanding and problem-solving skills. As parents and educators, we want to help them understand why troubling things happen, and then figure out what they can do about them. One way to help our children develop such life skills is to share ideas from the field of systems thinking. This groundbreaking new book can show you how! This powerful resource will help you engage children in a fascinating and stimulating world--in an imaginative, playful, and memorable way.

Linda Booth Sweeney, author of The Systems Thinking Playbook, has identified 12 favorite children’s stories that illustrate key systems thinking principles, and has created a guide that shows you how to use these stories with children of all ages. Each chapter focuses on one favorite picture book--and reveals the systems principles inherent in the story, general points for discussion, illustrations of key concepts, and questions to spark conversation for both younger and older readers.

Twelve stories in all cover a broad range of authors, themes, and literary styles. The book includes important tips, an introduction to basic systems concepts, and voices from the field of practitioners. A must-have resource for any parent or educator who wants to help children think about and understand the interconnections in our world." Pegasus Communications

I remember a theologian once writing that there are three major themes in life: a meal, a journey, and I can't remember the third theme. I believe John Sterman identifies a finite number of systems patterns that are found everywhere. I have been reading a short book called, "The Legendary Adventures of Alexander the Great." (italics) I note themes and stories that are familiar in other traditions.

In Catholic tradition, Francis of Assisi, John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, Teilhard de Chardin all provide alternatives to vicious cycles. I know other traditions have their heroes and heroines.

I belonged to a book group. We read an awful book, in terms of style, called, "The Ornament of the World." (italics) The participants were Christians, Muslims, Jews and an agnostic. The conversations were enriching...these are a couple of examples of how we can practice ST in our family, social and professional lives.

Peace in 2011, Della