6 Earth Day activities to do with your toddler
Earth day is a perfect time to show our littles the beauty that is our world. We can teach them how to take care of the planet for their present and and future selves. In addition, it is a great opportunity to present activities to keep them engaged and occupied! Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd around the globe and we can talk to our children about being part of the bigger community to help the Earth! Here are 6 Earth Day activities to do with your toddlers!
Upcycling to save from plastic waste is a great opportunity for families to have conversations about the importance of recycling and how to avoid excess plastic use. In addition, it is a beautiful conversation starter about the life cycle of plants.
What you will need:
- Old Plastic soda bottle with lid. (Remove the label)
- A utensil to cut a hole in the side (have the adult in charge complete this step.
- Dirt (catered to the needs of your plant)
- Seed or started plant
- Water (small amount but will vary based on plant needs and size of container)
- String (twine or whatever you choose based on appearance)
What to do:
- Cut a hole in the side of the bottle. Big enough for your plant to flourish but small enough it will not negatively effect the structure of the bottle.
- Place cap on the bottle (this is a great way to have controlled drainage!)
- Tie Strings around both ends making a loop to hand your finished product.
- Pour dirt to fill 1/2-3/4 of the bottle when it is on it’s side.
- Plant your seed of started plant based on planting instructions.
- Gently water your seed or plant.
- Hang plants and watch it breath new life into your home!
Teaching our littles about what recycling is and how to properly recycle is important. Earth day activities are a great time to focus on recycling and have a discussion about what recycling means for each of you. Start saving recyclable items for your littles to use and sort based on how recycling works in your area. Some companies only accept a specific list of recyclable items such as plastic and paper.
Because you already have inspiration to make an upcycled planter, previously in your 6 earth day activities, you can sort out the best plastic bottles and save one for that project! As a bonus rinse out and dry your recyclables before placing them in the bin so they are clean and ready to go.
What you will need:
- Recyclable items such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans and paper.
- Separate containers to place items in while sorting
- Recycling bin
- Know what your recycling options are and what they accept.
What to do:
- Have your littles help clean the solid recyclable items (that are safe for them to handle)
- Place the items to air dry (save resources and energy by not using paper towels or other means to dry the items)
- Have your toddler sort the items by type (plastic, aluminum, paper and others)
- Place the items, that your recycling company for your area accepts, in the recycling bin to go out. All others keep separated and go to your local recycling center (search.earth911.com or local government site have this info!) and take the items there as a family field trip!
- Discuss how to avoid plastic use or over consumption of all resources in your life. An appropriate topic for toddlers is turn the water off if we are not using it.
This is a great way to encourage reading with your family while saving energy! In addition, using natural light (make sure it is bright enough for little eyes) can save on energy consumption and help our planet!
What you will need:
- Developmentally appropriate books
- A comfy spot, near a natural light source, to share with your little while reading
What to do:
- Discuss how we can use natural light from the windows to see inside the house during the day. If can help our body know when it’s time to be awake and asleep and help us save energy!
- Set up near a window and read books
- Bonus step talk about shadows shifting and moving as time passes]
Bird watching can be a fun and mindful experience for littles. In addition, you can use the conversations sparked by birdwatching to discuss colors, sounds and movement patterns. Enjoy this as an opportunity to et to know nature and your little!
What you will need:
- A place where birds are frequently found (littles can be uninterested if there is not a bird flying by often)
- Binoculars (are fun and add to the experience but not a must!)
- A list of birds, from your area, with pictures and facts so you can describe and discuss them.
What to do:
- Locate where the birds are. Sit close enough to see but as out of site as you can and try to not disrupt what they are doing.
- Silently (or as quietly as possible) point out the birds in their natural habitats.
- Quietly ask your child to tell you what they see. Do they see colors, shapes in their flying patterns or anything else they are noticing?
- Ask your child to describe what they hear. Do they hear wings flapping, chirpings or singing?
- Finally check off the birds you saw and/or add more to the list! (Printable below)
Cleaning up your yard can be a rewarding experience for our littles. They can see immediate results for their hard work and they can see visual results how they are helping the earth. Discuss how they can help the earth be clean and happy by not littering and always cleaning up their messes.
*Do a thorough walk through of your area to make sure their is nothing unsafe for your toddler to clean up or touch before starting this activity*
What you will need:
- Gloves for cleaning up trash
- A container to put trash in
- A safe space to clean up trash or litter
What to do:
- Discuss how to safely and properly collect trash and put it in your container.
- Collect as much trash as you can in your containers
- Place trash is a waste basket (or recycling bin if you can sort it!)
Connecting with nature is essential for our littles. Having moments in nature help our little focus, be mindful and experience a large world with no limitations. Find a safe place to explore nature and choose something simple that you and your toddler can enjoy.
What you will need:
- Knowledge of the weather in your area (Safety first)
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Water for on your excursions
- Positive energy and imaginations
- Snacks are a plus for after or during your adventures in nature!
What to do:
- Choose what activity you will do in nature. This could be going for a walk, enjoying the sounds of nature by laying on that grass (or a mat if your not up for grass) with your eyes closed.
- Collect your belongings needed for your adventure of choice and have a back pack or easy carrying bag of choice to bring your essentials with you. *Bonus item you can bring a sketch pad and crayons and encourage your child to complete and observational drawing of what they see around them.*
- Discuss with your child how to be mindful in nature. Encourage them to focus on what they hear (birds? Crickets? Water in a stream?). Focus on what they see (Trees, grass, a path or stones?
- Take a moment to sit and discuss the beauty that surrounds you before heading home from your adventure!
Printable for Bird Watching in the Midwestern States!
At home resources through opeyouremuted.com:
Other at home free resources
Inspiration to an earth-conscious eco-friendly house!
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