As parents and carers, we can help children understand how they can make a positive impact on the planet.
Published: 13/03/2023
Our children are fascinated by the world around them – and increasingly aware of the delicate balance between people and nature.
Busy Bees children grow up surrounded by opportunities to think about the environment.
Have you thought about using recycled materials to support your child's play?
This demonstrates to your child how materials can be reused and repurposed, rather than just thrown away or recycled.
Plus, these types of open-ended materials are wonderful for developing your child's creativity and thinking skills.
Why not try some of these at home?
Please carefully check all materials for cleanliness and hazards before use. If your child is aged under three, avoid any items that could cause a choking hazard.
Collect natural textures such as sand and soil and place in separate containers for child to explore. Add some small scoops and containers so they can dig in the textures.
Clean a selection of recycled plastic bottles and remove the lids. Invite your child to place the bottom of the bottle in some paint and use this to print on paper. Different styles of bottles will create different patterns.
Cut different size holes in a recycled cardboard box. Encourage your child to find items they can post into the box to help develop their understanding of size and shape.
Use recycled boxes such as cereal boxes to build and construct a tower or have a competition to see who can build to tallest tower.
Lots of children enjoy learning about the planet and how they can help to protect it.
Older children may be developing an awareness of climate change and have questions about the topic. Why not research this together?
Sharing books is a wonderful way to spend time with your child, so why not check out these fiction and non-fiction titles?
Emily writes to Greenpeace for their advice on the blue whale living in her pond in this story that helps develop empathy and encourages your child to care for animals.
Help your child to discover practical ways to give back to the earth with the key message ‘protecting our beautiful planet is a big job. Every one of us can help!’
This story encourages your child to follow Peppa and George as they learn about recycling.
Everything your child needs to know about what we are doing to the environment, good and bad. Covering litter, pollution, renewable energy and plastic recycling.
A colourful information book, providing your child with illustrations and photos to help develop their understanding of planet earth.
A lift the flap book that help your child to understand planet earth and how they can help look after their home.
We’d love to see you try our activities at home. Please share on social and tag us on Facebook @busybeesuk and Instagram @busybees_uk #UPatBusyBees.
If you’re an existing Busy Bees parent, don’t forget to check out Up at Busy Bees – Unleashing Potential for more ‘Saving Our Planet’ activities .