Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in kansas city, KS

Understanding Earth Day.

by Jenny Meade

April 20, 2009

Yesterday morning we celebrated Earth Day Sunday at our church by planting three trees, and then listening to a Sunday School teacher read Dr. Suess' The Lorax.  My six year old asked me "Mommy, what is Earth Day?"  I explained it's a day where we make an effort to really focus on things that each of us can do to make the Earth a better place to live, whether by recycling, using less energy, or making less pollution for our environment.

He said, "Oh. Shouldn't we be doing that EVERY day?"

Oh yes, sweet boy, we should.  

Earth Day began back in 1970, when the concepts of sustainable living and how the abuses of the planet would affect our future was the stuff of hippie sit-ins and progressive Midwestern senators.  People didn't really think about it in their day to day lives.  But our young childrens' lives are different.  They have always seen curbside recycling bins in the neighborhood. They know what Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" means, and not just that it's a song that Jack Johnson sings.  They talk at school about turning off the water while you brush your teeth, drinking water from a glass instead of a plastic bottle when possible, and choosing paper over plastic at the grocery store. Or better yet, bring your own bag.  Many major U.S. based companies have established eco-friendly policies and programs, beyond just putting an alumnium can recycling bin in the breakroom.  One of these companies is HP, and not only do they have a strong eco-solutions program, they've got printable activities you can do at home with your family (like stickers! You can make stickers at home! Oh, would that I had this kind of thing when I was passing out stickers for every time someone peed on the potty...) 

 (Psst! Ever wonder how to recycle printer cartridges? From the comfort of your own mailbox? Yeah, there's no excuses now, baby.)

And here's another link you might like.  A couple of weeks ago, Julie and Rachel from Being Savvy Houston gave us some great ideas for things we can do to prep preschoolers for Earth Day. Aside from picking up a copy of The Lorax to read to your family, I have nothing to add! 

Christmas ornaments, and contests!

by Jenny Meade

December 04, 2008

As a child, one of my favorite things to do to mark the onset of the holidays was a family gathering at our church where we made Christmas tree ornaments with yarn and pipecleaners and glitter and glue. Christmas decorations seem to have become much more sophisticated since those days, but it's still fun to sit down with your little ones and make crafty Christmas memories  Read more...

What a Pretty Picture

by Rita Arens

June 12, 2008

My daughter's school has had her drawing a lot of self-portraits lately, and I think they're a great way to get to know your child's developing personality even better. If you have a few hours to kill, grab some drawing paper and crayons and each draw a picture of yourself, then each other, then the whole family. I like to use the kind of paper that is like a Post-It with sticky stuff on the  Read more...