By Rita Cook
How much do your children know about green living -- here are some simple ways to turn an eco-friendly education into fun.
Instead of spending time doing the same old activities with your children this summer, get outdoors and teach your tykes a little about the earth. Not sure where to begin, here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Create an organic garden in your
backyard and if you have time, do some composting too. Backyard gardening is a great way to teach
your children about the importance of not only eating healthy, but also being
self-reliant.
2. You’re probably already recycling at home, if you’re not there’s never been a better time to start than teaching your children how to do it too. Already recycling, have your children do the sorting and explain to them just how much can be recycled every day. An upcoming event in your area might also be a good way to obtain even more helpful information.
3. Find a green organization and have your child volunteer for a few weeks. How about a local group that plants trees in the area – a good way to promote cleaner air. Visit www.arborday.org and find an organization near you.
4. Head to a local nature center for some outdoor quality time. Many nature centers offer a great place for children to learn more about nature through educational programs, hands on activities and outdoor trails.
5. Send your child to a nature camp for a week or find a day camp. Local Recreation Center’s offer all sorts of eco-conscious nature friendly programs for children and it’s a good way for them to make new friends.
6. Create a fun game that you can play with your children outdoors. A nature game is a great way to get your child involved in having fun – think nature bingo. Create a table of items for your children to look for while visiting a nearby park or even on an overnight camping trip. From a magazine cut out items from nature and as you spot each thing with your child mark it off the list. Examples might be animal prints, nuts, seeds, flowers, bird feathers and local stones.
7. Set up a bird feeder in your yard and have your children help you keep the food plentiful for local birds. As the birds enjoy your yard you can discuss with your child the various birds you see that live in the area and also talk about bird migration.
8. A picnic in the park is always a fun time outdoors. Forget about the wicker and plastic and use old plates and cloth napkins instead. Pack organic foods and then sit on the ground and teach your child how to engage with the earth.
9. A trip to the local Farmer’s Market can be educational and fun offering information about organic and local foods. Even better, there are plenty of food samples for your child to try as well.
Photo credit: Russell Dandridge