Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22, 2024. Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for our planet. Engaging in hands-on activities can inspire children to look outside their immediate world and help them develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. Get out into nature with these fun, free ideas to celebrate Earth Day:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for children to find in nature, such as leaves, rocks, and flowers. This activity encourages observation skills and appreciation for the outdoors. Make it extra fun with this free printable from creativelybeth.com!
2. Nature Walk Bracelets: Use a small amount of duct tape to make sticky bracelets for children then head out on a nature walk. Kids can pick up small leaves, flowers, and pieces of grass to make beautiful bracelets. At the end of the walk, everyone can show off their new jewelry!
3. Earth Day Clean-Up: Organize a clean-up event. If you are a houseparent working on-campus at a residential school or group home, involve other cottages and houseparents. Provide children with gloves and trash bags and encourage them to pick up litter. This instills a sense of responsibility for keeping the environment clean.
4. Nature Walk and Journaling: Take a nature walk and encourage children to observe and journal about the plants, animals, and natural features they see. This helps them connect with nature and develop observation skills.
5. Visit EarthDay.org to check out events in your area and find free resources for teaching and engaging children!

Houseparents are responsible for teaching valuable life skills and acting as role models to children. Earth Day is a great time to consider your impact beyond your home and model what it means to care for your environment in big and small ways.

Happy Earth Day!

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