Children are never too young to start earth friendly practices.  We want our children to grow up with hope and empowerment.  They can change the world for the better. They can have an impact, but they need to be informed and inspired to do so.  Earth Day is the perfect time to begin!

Often Earth Day is celebrated in schools and preschools with cute little Earth-inspired crafts made from recycled materials.  Sometimes children plant seeds or trees, but the message of why or how is missed.  

Earth Day occurs every April 22. This day is to remind us our planet is our home, and we need to take care of it.  Our small actions do add up, including the actions of small people.  When we start young, we ingrain habits for a lifetime.  

What on Earth Can We Do?  is a children’s book written in simple, concise language. It is a wonderful resource to start young children on the path of stewardship and conservation.  Author Emily Sper sends a clear message with straightforward illustrations.  The bright colors and easy steps throughout the book will inspire families to integrate Earth Day ideas into everyday living.  After reading this book multiple times, children are sure to think twice about leaving lights on and remind parents to bring cloth bags to the store. 

With easy-to-understand language and colorful graphics, this fun and informative book introduces children to actions that help make our planet healthier — make less garbage; repair; reuse; recycle; compost; plant a tree; don’t waste electricity or water. Simple explanations of electricity, carbon dioxide, global warming, and renewable energy, and the importance of trees and water, add meaning to the actions.^[1]https://www.emilysper.com/books.html

The use of rare words  in the text helps young children build vocabulary and language development.  The balance between simple instruction and information is perfect. The explanations of complex subjects like climate change and carbon dioxide help children understand why they are taking action.

Children hear words like “global warming” and “climate change”.   They may understand them as fact, but the concepts may allude them.  This simple explanation by Sper of complex subjects benefits adults and children alike.  Soon children will be explaining to grandparents why they should recycle and use cloth bags.

 

Simple Earth Day Ideas

• Make less garbage
• Repair instead of buying new
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Compost
• Plant a Tree
• Reduce water and electricity use