On our changing planet, it’s more important than ever to raise kids who care for the world around them. In the lead-up to World Environment Day, we wanted to share some practical tips for raising eco-conscious kids. Get inspired with these simple activities, teaching ideas and thought-provoking songs that support learning about the environment.
Encourage curiosity
Building respect for the environment starts small. Help kids build a deep, ongoing connection to the world around them with these simple activities that encourage curiosity.
- Talk about the weather and how it changes.
- Watch ants at the playground or butterflies in the garden. Take note of what they’re doing, where they’re going and why.
- Observe the different trees and plants you can see around your neighbourhood. Collect leaves or flowers to take home and take note of their different colours, shapes and sizes.
Promote simple actions
Help kids feel capable by promoting small actions they can take part in. Focus on how when lots of people take small actions, together we can make a big difference.
Kids can help do their bit by:
- Picking up litter and putting rubbish in bin
- Recycling
- Taking active transportation to school
- Turning off taps and lights
- Reusing materials for craft or play
Keep the tone hopeful
It’s easy for conversations about the environment to drift towards worry. Kids don’t need to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, instead they need to know that their actions matter.
Inspire hope by celebrating small efforts and frame caring for the planet as something we get to do, not something we have to do.
Use music to reinforce the message
Music is one of the most powerful ways to help ideas stick. We’ve put together a playlist full of fun songs about nature to help inspire joy and respect for the environment. Listen to the playlist on Spotify.
