Guest Blog post by Lotty West
Many adults might assume that children these days don’t think much about the environment. But in reality, a lot of kids are very much concerned about the current state of our planet. According to a recent nationwide poll of high school and middle school kids by the Museum of Science in Boston, 72 percent say that they think about climate change sometimes, while 35 percent think about it all the time. Also, 69 percent of participants say that the adults in their life seldom talk about this environmental issue at hom
As homeschoolers, it is extremely important to teach sustainable practices to our children since starting them early can prepare them for the future. Not only will they grow up with an eco-conscious mindset, but they’ll also learn how to live in a thrifty and mindful way. Here’s how you can incorporate eco-friendly practices in your homeschool curriculum, and teach sustainability to your kids in a practical yet fun way.
Empower Them to Take Action
Many educators and homeschoolers are hesitant to teach children about sustainability since they feel like they don’t have enough knowledge to do it properly. But according to Sustainability Academy co-founder Sara Wilcock, it’s crucial to let kids know that while this may be a huge problem, it is entirely possible to overcome it. “We want children to understand that it’s achievable and they can be part of the solution,” she said. Wilcock’s co-founder, Gary Carney, said that it may be difficult to think about a solution to major environmental issues, so they developed programs to break down the Sustainable Development Goals to show how individuals can make a difference.
You can take the same approach when teaching sustainability to your little one. Instead of quizzing them on what they think would be a good solution to big problems, teach your child that they have the power to make a change. Encourage them to participate in environmental causes, such as helping out in a community garden, or joining a cleanup drive in your neighborhood. Let them know that even doing simple things, such as proper garbage disposal or turning off lights when they’re not in use can be a huge help to the environment.
Teach by Example
Scientists have found that children will copy everything that they see an adult demonstrate to them, even if there are obvious reasons why those actions would be irrelevant or wrong. This is why you can’t expect a young child to take sustainability to heart if you have a habit of doing things that could harm the environment, such as using disposable dishes everyday or taking very long showers. To incorporate eco-friendly practices in homeschooling and your everyday life, you must lead and teach by example. For instance, you can show them how you take a minimalist approach to homeschooling, such as using both sides of a piece of paper or downloading a digital version of a book instead of purchasing a physical copy. Also, when shopping for your home, make it a point to choose sustainable cleaning and hygiene products, then explain why they’re better than conventional items.
Do the same when making big purchases, such as a new car. This would be a good opportunity to educate an older child, especially one who’s old enough to drive. Take them with you when you go to a car dealership and look at various hybrid vehicle types and models, then discuss the advantages of the ones that you’re eyeing before making a decision. Doing so lets them know that their opinion matters, and in addition to that, you’re teaching them to make eco-friendly choices as a consumer.
Include Nature-Based Homeschool Activities in Your Curriculum
Being closer to nature and loving all aspects of our natural world are important for your child to have a deeper connection with our environment. When planning your homeschool curriculum, think about including nature-based activities so your child can feel connected to the world around us. Plan on going on walks in parks and botanical gardens, or go foraging in the woods. You can also go on a trip to the beach or lake, or visit a fruit orchard. Go to places where kids can safely observe wildlife in their natural habitat, examine plants, and see how the natural world works.
Incorporating sustainability practices into homeschooling can help your child to become a responsible and mindful adult. Include eco-friendly activities into your curriculum, lead through example, and empower your kids so they can learn to do their part for the environment.
Lottie West Lottie spent ten years working as a teaching assistant before taking a step back to start a family of her own. She has since rediscovered her first love of writing, and enjoys contributing to a range of publications, both print and online.