Be an environmental Superhero! Teaching children important ways to care for the planet

Be an environmental superhero!

Teaching children important ways to care for the planet

Happy Earth Day!

On Earth day me and my family often take a moment to pause and reflect on how we can better care for the planet. While this is a great reminder to do so, it is important that the work doesn't stop there. Every day is a new opportunity to do something good for the planet. It may not feel like we are making much of a difference by doing a few seemingly small acts but if we are all doing it.... that makes a huge difference. Now we can't control what everyone else is doing, so we can only focus on what we are doing, but trust you are not alone. There are so many people that care about the planet and teaching children how they can care for the planet too will help them and future generations to come. 
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10 ways children can help protect the planet, reduce waste and live more peacefully with nature:

1. Turn off lights and electronics when they're not in use.
2. Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastic.
3. Plant trees and flowers, and take care of local green spaces.
4. Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of riding in a car.
5. Compost food scraps and yard waste.
6. Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible.
7. Avoid buying products with excessive packaging.
8. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when brushing teeth.
9. Learn about and advocate for wildlife conservation.
10. Participate in community clean-up events.

We only have one Earth

It is important for us to take action and care for the planet now because our actions have severe consequences on our environment not just for the well-being of future generations but the animals and plant life that are here right now. Climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity are just some of the issues that require immediate attention. By taking action now, we can help mitigate these problems and create a sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet.

Yoga and the environment

Ahimsa means doing no harm. Ahimsa is one element of Yoga that we can practice beyond the poses. This principle extends beyond just avoiding physical harm to others, but also includes nonviolence towards the environment. As humans, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world and its resources for future generations. By practicing ahimsa and caring for the environment, we can lead a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle that supports the well-being of all living beings.

Earth Warriors

One fun yoga game I love to play with the children is one I call "Earth Warriors".

1. Start by having the family (or class) sit in a circle and explain the importance of protecting the earth.
2. Assign each child an animal that lives in the trees.
3. Use sheets of newspaper to scatter around the room. These are going to be the trees.
4. Put on some music and ask the group to mimic the movements of their assigned animal. They move around as the music plays. When the music stops, they must go to the nearest 'tree'.
5. Each time the music starts back up, take away one of the 'trees'. This is to show how trees are getting cut down and how we need to look after the planet. At the end all the 'animals' will be stood together at just one 'tree'.
6. After the yoga flow, have the children share their ideas for protecting the earth.
7. End the game by having the children stand in a circle and hold hands, symbolizing their commitment to protecting the environment as Earth Warriors.

How do you care for the planet?

It can be so overwhelming trying to do all the things to protect the planet. I know for me I still have room for plenty of improvement. If you are feeling like this to, know that it is okay not to do ALL the things, just do what you can. Make a conscious effort to reduce waste and live a more eco friendly life and remember it doesn't have to be perfect, just do what you can.  

I'd love to know your best tips for reducing waste and living a more eco friendly life! Comment below > >

Useful links for Earth Day

• 8 Simple Ways Your Kids Can Help Save the Planet on Earth Day (and Beyond) | NewFolks
  
• How to save the planet: a guide for kids! - National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)
• 7 ways to help save the planet on Earth Day (and every other day) | Bounty Parents
  

Practice with me this month>>

5 minute Flying Lesson - Kids Yoga practice
​The Superhero Challenge
Twinkl Yoga