Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues, promoting the protection of our planet, and encouraging sustainable practices worldwide.
Celebrating Earth Day in early years can be a fun and engaging way to teach children about the importance of caring for our planet and promoting environmental awareness.
Here are some ideas for incorporating Earth Day into your early years classroom:
Plant seeds or seedlings: Planting seeds or seedlings is a hands-on way to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the importance of nurturing our environment. You can plant seeds in small pots or create a mini garden in your outdoor play area.
Nature walk and scavenger hunt: Take the children on a nature walk and organize a scavenger hunt, asking them to find specific items or identify different plants and animals. This activity encourages observation and appreciation for the natural world.
Discuss ways to help the environment: Engage children in a conversation about simple actions they can take to help the environment, such as turning off lights when not in use, using both sides of a piece of paper, or picking up litter.
Create an Earth Day pledge: Have the children create individual or class pledges to take specific actions to help the environment. This can be a fun way for children to feel involved and committed to making a difference.
Remember to extend the lessons and activities beyond Earth Day, continuously incorporating environmental education and sustainable practices into your early years curriculum.