In honor of Earth Day, I dedicated much of April to sharing simple things kids can do to help the planet. I’m excited to be continuing that focus today with a look at a book that fits right in with the theme: Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth.
Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth features more than 100 classroom activities that are designed “to help children simply explore the environment and develop a sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy in nature.” The idea is that this lays the foundation for the later development of stewardship.
With a master’s degree in education and kids of her own, author Patty Born Selly knows what she’s talking about. She’s founder of Small Wonders, an educational consulting company that provides teacher training and support for science and nature education initiatives. (If any of this sounds remotely interesting, I highly recommend you check out her blog, Small Wonders.)
What’s inside Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth?
The 272-page book provides more than 100 classroom activities for kids to learn about and care for the Earth. Each chapter focuses on a common and important environmental topic followed by a set of activities designed for kids ages 3 to 8.
- Each chapter focuses on a common and important environmental topic including waste reduction, recycling, air quality, weather, climate change and energy reduction.
- Chapters provide a basic introduction to the problem and a set of activities for kids.
- Each activity comes complete with: a brief description, age range, goals, National Science Education standards, age required materials and supplies, step-by-step procedure, safety notes, tips and ideas for connecting the activity to other disciplines.
- Sample activities include found object mosaic, plant parts, float or sink, air is real, make a compass and muddy me. Of course, I’m partial to the chapter on exploring nature, with activities like a soil search, barefoot explorations and creating a wishing tree.
I love that the activities in Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth are so simple. In fact, many require no materials at all (except your senses, of course), or just a few. And the “Tips” provided with each activity provide good advice from someone who’s tried these activities before.
My only complaint is that while there are a few photos, they are black and white. I wish there were more color images or illustrations throughout.
Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth retails for $29.95.
How to use Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth in your own backyard
Although this book is geared toward early childhood educators working with groups of children, parents and caregivers might find it helpful, too.
You can use Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth to:
- Quickly find an activity that’s right for your child’s age
- Focus on a specific area of interest like weather, the garden or art
- Enhance your homeschooling environmental education, nature or science curriculum
- Plan ways to explore nature all summer long!
Get your copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth now – for less!
Although I don’t have a copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth to give away, I can let you in on a good deal.
Redleaf Press is offering a 30% discount from now through June 30, 2013. To take advantage of this deal, follow this link and enter the coupon code GREENEARTH.
Note: I received a free copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
