Earth Day in the Classroom

 If you're a teacher or a mama, it's especially fun to make a big deal about Earth Day.   Here are three things I think would be wonderful to have year round in the classroom, but are particularly educational for Earth Day.

RESPECT THE EARTH FLASHCARDS:  For the budding environmentalist.  These cute large retro looking flash cards are perfect for Earth Day.  They depict various animals doing earth friendly activities like going the the Farmers' Market, unplugging chargers and recycling.  They are sweet while stressing the importance of taking responsibility.

GREEN TOYS TRUCK AND RACE CAR:  I think this would be great for pre-school and kindergarten.  It's rounded edges and non toxic materials make it safe for little ones.  Green Toys is an innovative company that uses recycled milk containers to make their toys.  As cute as they look, they are durable and can take some serious play. 

THIS TREE COUNTS:  This book is way more than a counting book, though it does offer some of that.  It helps to instill reverence for nature and deep appreciation for one of the earth's most magnificent and vital adornments: trees.  Together a class plants trees and learns that they are necessary for cleaning the air, and providing shelter for humans and other creatures.  The artwork is lovely and this was a book my son wanted me to read over and over.

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HAPPY EARTH DAY and Five Earth Day Activities For Kids

1.  Do some earth-art.  Draw pictures of our world, wildlife, and changes we can make for a healthier planet.  Make a dandelion necklace or art from objects found in nature.

2. Plant some seeds or a little starter plant.  Kids love to watch seeds sprout to life and nurture their own plant which fosters a feeling of connection to our earth.

3.  Go on a nature walk and write down the different plants, trees and wildlife you see to research later.

4.  Walk or take the bus for the day.

5.  Make a change.  Go vegan for the day, trade your regular laundry soap for soap nuts, buy organic, etc.  Use glass instead of plastic--enter my giveaway for Kidishes for instance (see previous post).  Kids are enthusiastic about making beneficial changes and it's empowering for them to know they are making an impact with their choices.

Image Credit: woodleywonderworks

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