Kids living in urban centers, or even suburbs, are often disconnected from the nature. Here are some activities you can do with kids with nature and our environment:
Adopt a Tree
While taking a walk or hiking, have your child to pick out a favorite tree in a park or forest and “adopt” it. Essentially, your child will take on the role of being the tree’s caretaker. Do bark rubbings with crayons and paper; leaf collection and pressing in the fall; and look for flowers and fruit in the summer. Each year, take pictures of your child standing beside the tree. You can even bring along measuring tape to track the tree’s growth. Kids can also research the tree on the internet: where the tree is commonly found, usual life span, height, etc.
Clean Up the Earth
A good way to teach our children about taking care of our planet, and get some exercise at the same time, is to take bags with you go for a walk. While doing so, “clean up” along the way. You can pick up stray bottles, newspapers and discarded food containers. You can organize an “Environment Club” in the neighborhood or through your child’s school. Make it a contest to see who can get the most items. Choose different days to clean up a wide area. Use the time to talk to your children about recycling and reducing waste. (kids can wear rubber gloves or bring a pointed stick if they don’t want to touch any garbage.)
Keep a Wildlife Journal
Have your child make daily notes of all the wildlife living in your neighborhood. They can even take photos, or draw pictures, and write down the times of sighting, habitats and behavioral patters. It is amazing how many different species are living in your own backyard! Some examples are: birds, wetas, snails, worms, geckos, etc.
Be creative and enjoy this time with children, environmental education for kids is more important than ever.
For more information visit this site http://www.PlanetEcoChick.blogspot.com from Stephanie Browning.
ENVIRO KIDS Games & Activities 