Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual event, usually held in late February or early March, that aims to raise awareness about fair trade practices and promote the purchase of Fairtrade products.
Learning about Fairtrade Fortnight in early years settings can help introduce young children to the concept of fair trade and the importance of ethical consumer choices.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight in your early years setting:
Fairtrade Tasting: Organize a tasting session with Fairtrade products such as bananas, chocolate, or juice. Discuss where these products come from, how they are made, and the benefits of choosing Fairtrade items.
Art and Craft: Create art projects inspired by Fairtrade Fortnight, such as designing posters to promote fair trade, creating collages using Fairtrade product packaging, or drawing pictures of farmers and workers who benefit from fair trade practices.
Fairtrade Role Play: Set up a role-play area with a pretend shop that stocks Fairtrade products. Encourage children to take on different roles, such as shopkeepers, customers, or farmers, and engage in conversations about fair trade and ethical shopping.
Fairtrade Show and Tell: Invite children to bring in Fairtrade products or items made using Fairtrade materials from home. Use these items as a starting point for discussions about fair trade and the impact of our choices on farmers and workers worldwide.
Storytime: Read age-appropriate books or stories that introduce the concept of fair trade or discuss the lives of farmers and workers in different parts of the world. Use these stories to start discussions about the importance of fair trade and ethical consumer choices.
By incorporating Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations into your early years setting, you can introduce children to the importance of fair trade, ethical consumer choices, and global responsibility.