If you want to help the next generation understand more about the environment and care about current and future conservation efforts, it’s important to educate children about these issues. Starting your environmental education lessons when your children are young has many benefits. Your kids will get started on a lifelong commitment to keeping the planet clean and healthy. The key is to make your activities fun and educational at the same time. Here are some ways you can help teach your toddler to love the planet.
Collecting Rainwater
A solid environmental education usually starts with teaching your children about how weather impacts the land. During those rainy days, you can get your child involved in a fun conservation activity by creating rainwater collection buckets. This can turn into an interactive crafting lesson. Then, you and your child just need to wait for the next rainy day and set out your buckets. After they get filled up, show your child how to use the rainwater for various tasks around the home, such as watering plants and rinsing off outdoor toys.
Sorting Recycling
Another great activity that toddlers could participate in to help the planet is recycling. You can help your toddler start to understand the idea behind reducing waste by setting up a toddler-friendly recycling sorting area in your home. After a recyclable container has been used, show your toddler how to rinse out the item completely and place it in the appropriate bin. Label your recycling bin with pictures of common recyclables, such as plastic, paper, and cans. This can help your toddler sort by herself and help you out in the kitchen.
Learning About Animals
It’s important to also teach your toddler about the connection between the planet’s health and the animals around the globe. Schedule a visit to your local zoo and show your child examples of animals that are being threatened by environmental issues. Let your child discover how an animal’s habitat can be impacted by trash, development, and other environmental problems.
Cleaning Parks
Your child could also participate in a park clean up effort near your home. Most state or national parks offer special park clean up days where the general public can volunteer to help pick up trash and other debris left behind. Not only does picking up trash help keep your local park clean and safe, it can also help your child learn to be a better global citizen.
Visiting Project Centers
You may also have a chance to learn more about specific conservation projects, such as the Cadiz Water Project in California, going on in your state or city if you do your research. In some cases, facilities allow visitors to come and learn about their efforts and provide help. Traveling around your area and learning about how organizations are helping the planet can help your child develop a stronger understanding of eco-friendliness and environmental protection.
Starting a Garden
In your backyard, you can also give your toddler a good foundation in sustainable agriculture practices by starting your own fruit and vegetable garden. This is a great hands-on project for the spring. Partner with your child to choose favorite fruits and vegetables you want to grow in your garden. Go through the entire process of planting, watering, growing, and harvesting each item to show your child where her food comes from. Then, you and your child could prepare a few meals together with your newly harvested crops.
Your child’s future habits and values can be shaped if you give her exposure to all of the most important concepts early in life. When she’s a toddler, show her how to be a responsible citizen of planet earth with an environmental education.
