IN THIS ARTICLE
Earth Day is coming up soon, and it's a perfect time to plan Earth Day crafts for kids. While Earth Day had its inception back on April 22, 1970, there is still a lot of work to be done. The sooner that the younger generations learn how to care for the Earth, the better off we will all be.
As you know, Earth Day is all about bringing awareness to the practices that are hurting the Earth and showing us how we can all be kinder to our planet in small and large ways.
While preparing for these Earth Day activities, also remember that you are not the only teacher in the room. Your kids have knowledge about things like climate chage that they can use to influence and motivate their peers — and their parents.
Shyla Raghav, Vice President of climate change at Conservation International, shared her thoughts on learning from our children. “Children have joined together to form an international youth climate movement, organizing massive protests, online climate campaigns and social media strikes,” Raghav noted. “Being open to what your child has to say about the climate movement will help build a more inclusive and sustainable world for them to grow up in.”
These crafts and activities will help kids get involved in the practical ways we can better treat the Earth
Earth Day arts and crafts: What to make?
Anything that helps kids understand the importance of empathy, responsibility, and kindness is the way to go. Having your kids learn about how nature works is one of the ways to help them to develop their ability to care.
Upcycle art projects
Many items that can find around our homes can be used for a variety of art projects. Think nature wreaths made from leaves and flowers from your backyard, and a bug hotel made from an old soda bottle and twigs — instead of purchasing items like glitter and foam, that harm the environment instead of helping.
Earth Day books
Have your child create a mini earth-shaped book in which they write tips on how to help save the planet.
Framed pressed flowers
Show off the beauty of Mother Nature by collecting fallen flowers and pressing them into a glass frame.
Get the littles involved: Earth Day crafts for preschoolers
For some preschoolers (and toddlers!) this might be the first time that they are able to recognize what Earth Day means. No matter your child's age, there is a type of craft that can help them learn and understand the importance of taking care of Mother Earth.
Earth Day puffy paint
Getting messy is the language of preschoolers, so cover their clothes up with an apron and get their hands dirty with the puffy paint.
Earth mosaic
Create a beautiful mosaic with cut-up leftover tissue paper or construction paper. Draw a quick template for your little one to follow, and then let her create her own version of Earth.
Terrarium with recycled cups
Make a small greenhouse out of a paper cup and a clear plastic cup. Add dirt and seeds to the paper cup and teach your preschooler about photosynthesis as they plant the seeds.
Handprint for Earth Day
Showing your kid how they can begin loving the Earth begins with letting your preschooler know that he is the caretaker of it. His hands hold the Earth in this simple craft project.
Get the older kids involved: Earth Day activities for kids
Create fun and easy activities that your kids that can take part in on Earth Day.
Community clean-up
Across the nation, there will be community clean-ups occurring on Earth Day. Find a local clean-up and have a enjoy the time beautifying your neighborhood with your kid.
Plant a tree
A lovely family project can begin right in your backyard. Have your kids decide on a tree to plant and enjoy the planting process together.
Last year, mom Leah Garcia had to find a way to celebrate Earth Day despite the restrictions of the pandemic, but it's an activity that can be done anytime. “This year, thanks to the pandemic, we’ll quietly plant a new tree and have a naming contest for the kids,” she previously told Mom.com.
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
Help out the bee population! Plant flowers that are nourishing for the bees. Talk with your child about the declining bee population and its effect on the planet.
Build a wind chime
Find materials around the house and create a whindchime out of upcycled materials like the one found in the video.
Make a bird feeder
Bird feeders can be made out of a variety of household materials. Have your kid choose the type of feeder that they want to make and follow the tutorial on how to put it together.
*Disclaimer: The advice on mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
