I want my 2 year old to value the world beyond the walls of our home and to treat all living things with respect. Is this to much to ask of a toddler? I don’t think so. In fact, I think that with our support and guidance, this it is entirely possible.
The earth and our environment is here for us to take care of and that the choices we make affect the future of the environment. Children who develop a heart for their natural world and environmentally friendly habits as young children, will be better equipped to making environmentally friendly decisions as they grow.
Compassion for the natural world doesn’t always happen instantaneously, rather is developed through a course of conscious family decisions. So what can we do?
1. Plant peas, carrots, potatoes or any other vegetable with your children. Gardening with your children develops an appreciation for the natural world as well as an understanding about how things grow and change. We have found that gardening helps our children develop a sense of pride, ownership, and responsibility. For more ideas – or to share yours, we have even have a page dedicated to kids in the garden. You are welcome to browse all of our kids in the garden posts for inspiration or stop by our Pinterest Gardening Board for more ideas!
2. Make a craft or activity using recycled materials. Here is a great post with a whole bunch of ways to re-use the baby-food pouch lids!
3.Have your child set the table using real plates and cloth napkins. If you do this every day for the next X amount of days, this will become a routine and paper / disposable will become a thing of the past!
4. Go on a nature walk. Talk to your children about different types of plants and animals you see and hear. Take time to lay on your backs and look at the clouds. Enjoy being outside. Smile often!
5. Allow your tot to take out each piece of recycling for the week. This will not only teach your tot what can be recycled, but also allow him to have an active role in the family responsibilities. Nicholas says, “RECYCLING – my job!” when the milk jug has been emptied. He waits for us to rinse it out and runs it to our big recycling bins. He is so proud of helping!
6. Visit a waste management facility. Every one has these folks. If you haven’t visited yours, it is time to do so. Call ahead to schedule a tour. Our nearby facility offers kid tours and explains how and where the recycling and garbage goes. It is an eye and nose opener and makes you want to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Here are 2 pictures we took on our tour.
Last, but not least, here is a FREE printable of the above activities so that you can download it, print it out, and hang it on your fridge or classroom bulletin board to use as a checklist! When you have completed one or more (or even if you already do all of them), we would love to hear about it!!!
Great suggestions!
love the printable!!
Great ideas! Love all the pics!
I'm stopping by from UBP 12. I love your site! I'm a teacher mommy of a spunky two year old girl. I'm following via gfc and liked on facebook. If you get a chance stop on over to http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com.
Love this list! It's so important to teach our children when they are young. (Sharing this everywhere.)
What really great ideas. I still haven't taken them to a fruit farm because the only fruit they can all agree they like is bananas lol.
This is a great collection of activities to teach young children to be stewards of the environment. I especially appreciate the tree climbing and garden to table ideas.
Great post! I found it very useful. Love the final result. Thanks for the inspiration and the tips.