Earth Day - Ways to save our planet all year!

Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22^nd but we must look at doing the activities throughout the year.  This is a great time for children to learn about how to save the environment that will become a part of their day-to-day lives.  Some activities that can be done with children are as following:

Plant a tree – this is a great outdoor activity and an opportunity to take about the importance of trees to the air.  You may want to visit your local library to brush up on your knowledge.

Clean up the classroom – remind children that the classroom is part of their environment and this activity will work on fine motor skills as well.  A clean room cuts down on germs and a clean environment is good for our overall health.

Set up recycle box – in the classroom set up a box with recycle symbol explaining to children different materials they can contribute to the box (e.g., plastic bottles, newspaper, empty cereal boxes).  Write letters and/or engage in conversation with parents on items they can bring to recycle.  With the recycled materials let the children use they creative minds to create classroom art projects or usable materials. 

Use both sides of paper – once information has been used and/or printed on paper do not trash but have a box ready for children to place in then use the other side when needed.  Remember, this paper can be used in the housekeeping center (e.g., writing grocery list, taking order), writing center and other centers.

Turn off lights – one of the classroom helpers can be the child to turn off lights when leaving the classroom.  Talk with the children about the importance of turning off lights when no one is in the room to conserve energy.

Start compost bin – go online with the children and research “how to start a compost bin” and chart the process to creating one for the classroom.  Select the site, ask parents to assist and start composting and if you are planting seeds once compost is ready let the children enjoy the soil. 

Parents as you celebrate “Earth Day” with your child check out these free online games to celebrate.  Also, depending on the age of the child, check out Dr. Seuss’ Lorax on YouTube and you may decide to plant trees and/or flowers at your home.  

Remember, this is all our Earth and we must save the planet.  Teaching our children at young ages to appreciate the planet gives more meaning to “Earth Day”.