The Preschooler

Earth Day Every Day with Toddlers and Preschoolers

When you first think about it, you may come to the conclusion that there aren’t many ways a toddler or preschooler can affect the condition of the earth.  However, if you take a closer look, you may find that most of the things adults do in order to reduce, reuse, and recycle can also be done by young children in part or on a smaller scale.

Reduce:  Children can be taught how to use smaller amounts of glue, paper, and other materials for craft projects.  They also need to understand what happens when excess (food, toys, etc) ends up in landfills.

Reuse: Instead of buying expensive craft kits, reuse household items, such as toilet paper tubes, oatmeal containers, and tissue boxes to make home-made creations.  Teach your children why it is important to use reusable grocery bags instead of getting new paper or plastic ones each time.

Recycle: Have your children help label recycling bins at your home.  Put them in charge of sorting the waste, which is also a wonderful grouping activity.  (Be careful with sharp lids.)

These are just a few of the many activities you can do with your child that will make an impact on the earth we share.  Plant the seeds of change now.  The behaviors you teach them today will be carried on throughout their lives and passed on to future generations.

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Written by BRWI Staff on April 19, 2010