Encouraging Environmental Stewardship

Engaging with nature in our classrooms holds immeasurable value for our students. Each time young people head outside to care for school gardens or volunteer at a city park, they are taking part in important lessons that will profoundly impact their academic journey and life beyond school - awakening a sense of responsibility and empathy, connecting with the larger world, and developing curiosity and critical-thinking skills.

This year, when understanding and caring for our environment is more important than ever, we're building out new ways to incorporate environmental stewardship into our classrooms. Along the way, we've found a few resources that we're excited to share with you and the young people in your lives. Take a look below for ideas, activities, crafts, and videos that will help ignite a love of nature - on Earth Day and year-round.

• Check out the Mission Society blog for a list of Online Wildlife Adventures. Informational videos from zoos and aquariums are a great way to bring the great outdoors to all students.

• Environment America curated a list of 51 Environmental Activities Kids Can Do for Earth Day, including projects that teach about waste reduction, climate change solutions, plants, and wildlife.

• For some DIY fun, try this Recycled Plant Paper activity from Goldie Blox's Curiosity Camp, or even this delightful Spring-y Flowers craft from PBS Kids.

• Build your Earth Day library with 42 of the Best Books for Celebrating Earth Day, curated by We Are Teachers.

• Our local botanic gardens have incredible resources, information, and activities for families. For example, you can scroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Children & Families blog and find a lot of amazing do-it-at-home ideas.