Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd.
This holiday was created as a way to practice conservation worldwide and to help reduce pollution. The goal is that this behavior one day of the year will help many build new lifetime habits.
We only have one Earth and we have to do everything within our power to protect it.
Teaching your kids through interactive and fun ideas can build an early love for saving the planet plus be very educational. Which is something every parent needs.
Outdoor Activity: Create A Compost Bin
This activity definitely takes some preplanning to get done, so you will want to start ASAP.
However, the best part about this activity is that it is something you can continue to use year-round. Plus, it is so much easier than you would think.
Once you get the items to get you started it isn’t half bad.
It is about 6 steps and the only maintenance that is required is to mix regularly, add water as needed, and add in your biodegradables (can be broken down by bacteria).
How to Create a Compost Bin:
- Choose a compost container (this is the main expense you will incur if you don’t have something on hand).
- You want the bin to be deep/big enough to allow you to mix and hold how much material you think you will create.
- You can find bin options as low as $20 here.
- Choose a location that is flat, well-drained, and sunny area to set up the bin.
- Start adding the layers. Do not compact them together because air is critical to the breaking down process.
- First, add brown organic items. These will be small twigs, bark, or even dead houseplants. If you want you can add fertilizer before moving on as it helps to speed up the breaking down process.
- Then, add green organic items, such as green leaves, vegetables, or eggshells. This is where you can add in your compostable household waste.
- Continue alternating your green and brown layers until you get close to the top. Always have a brown layer on top. Then add 1-2 inches of fresh soil (not treated with insectides-you may need to buy a small bag [not sterilized]).
- You can add earthworms before the soil to assist with decomposition.
- Use a glass container to collect household waste for your bin. When it is full place the items in your bin. Then add your layer of browns. Add frequently until your compost bin is full.
- Maintain the mix. Use a garden fork or shovel to mix in new layers. Maintain the moistness through mixing as well. Should be like a damp sponge.
- Use browns to dry it up and water to moisten it depending on what your mix may need.
- Use your compost. When it is ready the compost material will be at the top of your pile remove it all. It should be dark and crumbly to the touch.
- It can take up to 6 months for the first set of compost.
- Leave the remaining layers.
- Use it in flower beds, around trees, or you can make it into a liquid mix and use it to water plants.
What Are The Benefits of Composting:
- Gardening Fertilizer
- Less Trash Thrown Out to Mass Sites
- Practices Easy Recycling Habits
- Helps Enrich the Soil
Some common items you can compost are veggies, fruits, any dairy products, bread, coffee filters, and eggshells. There are many other options that you can find with a quick Google search.
There is so much information out there about composting. Plus your compost bin should come with instructions if you buy one.
Indoor Activity: Earth Collage from Nature
The Earth Collage from Nature craft is a perfect activity for young children (ages 3-6) to celebrate Earth Day and learn about their environment.
By collecting simple materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers, children connect with the Earth in a hands-on way that can develop a sense of appreciation on this special day.
Materials Needed:
- Green and blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Nature items (leaves, twigs, small flowers, or grass)
Directions:
- Cut out a large circle from blue construction paper to represent the Earth.
- Create landmasses by cutting out shapes of continents from green construction paper, and glue them onto the blue circle.
- Collect the Nature Items by going outside and gathering small items like leaves, twigs, or small flowers. It can simply be small pieces of grass if that’s all that is handy.
- Glue the items onto the green landmasses to add texture and complete the Earth collage.
- Once everything is dry, you can display their Earth collage on a wall or fridge.
This craft encourages creativity, while also providing the opportunity to teach kids about the importance of taking care of the planet. Working with natural materials can help them understand the beauty of Earth’s resources and why it’s important to take care of them.
Indoor/Outdoor Idea: No [Minimal] Power Day
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kids is to go the entire day without using any electricity.
That means no lights, no phones, etc. If possible even no water except for drinking. This can be done easily if you plan out the day in advance.
Here is an example of how you can spend the day:
Morning:
- Wake up and get dressed. Allow the natural sunlight to shine into the rooms of your homes.
- Make a quick, simple breakfast. Cereal, yogurt, or even just fruit if you don’t want to open the fridge.
- Spend the morning doing some yoga or meditation together as a family. Or just some simple stretches outside.
Evening
- You can have a day of relaxation where you spend the day singing some songs, going for a walk, or enjoy some time at the park.
- Other great ideas for a relaxing day would be going for a bike ride, planting a tree, make your compost bin, etc.
- If you want to keep your day more structured then you can mix it up and have homeschool outside. You can take your current curriculum or the previously mentioned Earth Day printable pack and go out to a park.
- Spend the day learning and then enjoy some time at the park before coming home for the day.
Overall, I’d suggest doing a no-power day until about 7-8 PM. This allows for everyone to take a shower and prepare for bed (especially if you have little ones that may need a night light to go to sleep).
Want to Learn How to Create Lesson Plans in Under 3 Hours? Join my Hack Your Homeschool Curriculum Challenge!
This challenge is all about making lesson planning easy and FUN, right at your own pace over 3 days learn my strategy for creating lessons plans and create your own by the end of the challenge.
Endless Possibilities
Honestly, there is no wrong to celebrate Earth Day with your children as long as you practice some type of conservation behavior.
Try to remind them throughout the day about how easy these changes can be, but how impactful they can be as well.
If you wanted to you could make an entire day out of all three of these ideas for Earth Day. Have a no-power day spend the morning having class and using the Earth Day printable pack.
You can use the pack to teach all about composting and how it’s helpful. Then spend the afternoon making a composting bin in your backyard. These activities will be fun, educational, and make the holiday truly special.
For more great Budding Mama resources check out:
10 Essential Tools Every Homeschool Mom Needs: Looking to save some money? Take advantage of these discounts that help with everyday supplies and make sure you are practicing these 7 strategies to maximize your savings.
Flag Day Activities– Flag Day is June 14th. This 5-page freebie teaches about the anthem and the symbolism behind the American Flag. It comes with everything a parent needs to teach about an honored American symbol.
Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Kierra
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