Green Generations

For today’s we recommend “A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet” written by Paul Douglas and illustrated by Chelen Écija.

The Earth is warming. The climate is changing. Sea levels are on the rise, and plastic is showing up... everywhere.

We have every reason to be concerned about our planet, our only home. New inventions and technologies will help, but cleaning up the planet--saving the world--will require all of us to pay attention and take action. What can you do to help? Plenty!

Despite what you may hear on the news, the situation isn't hopeless, and we aren't helpless. In this inspiring, informative book, nationally recognized meteorologist Paul Douglas clearly and thoughtfully presents the daunting problems of climate change. And he offers realistic solutions (including some that are already working!) and actions that kids can participate in now. It's imperative that we all step up and become part of the solution, by engaging in new, smarter ways of living.

Here are a few post-read-aloud extension ideas:

1. Conserve water. 💦
2. Care for animals and insects. 🐝
3. Minimize consumption of stuff. 🛍
4. Save electricity. 💡
5. Compost. 🥬
6. Recycle, upcycle, and donate. ♻️
7. Use reusable containers. 🍶
8. Minimize use of plastic. ♻️
9. Walk or ride a bike when you can. 🚴🏼‍♂️
10. Cultivate a zero-waste, minimal-impact mindset. 🌟

On this we celebrate sharing “Our Planet! There's No Place Like Earth.” From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator David Litchfield, this is a nonfiction picture book about the Earth, told from the perspective of Earth herself.

Meet Earth. Planet Awesome! And your awesome home! Actually, Earth is home to all the plants and all the animals in the solar system, including nearly eight billion people. Humans have accidentally moved Earth's climate change into the fast lane, and she need your help to put on the brakes. Earthlings need Earth, and Earth needs Earthlings, so let’s save Earth together!

🌍 Post-Reading Extension Ideas 🌎

🌱 Conduct an eco-friendly home or classroom energy audit.

♻️ Limit your consumption of plastic.

💧 Use a reusable water container.

✏️Write 5 facts you learned about our planet from the book.

🌍 Discuss your eco-vision for your community and how you can contribute.

- in partnership with - gave a healing parent and family workshop today in Brooklyn.

The workshop theme was “Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem with Healthy Habits.”

In addition to teaching heart-centered activities, parents wrote positive messages to their children on heart-shaped post-it’s as well as created a family success notebook.

Parents received the following FREE Green Generations resources:

✅ Success Journal, Gel Pens, and Stickers

✅ Green Generations Journal for Children

✅ Mindfulness Toolkit

✅ Coloring Mandalas Templates

✅ Green Generations “Feeling” Stone

If you’d like to learn more about our programming in your school, visit us at: greengenerations.org/our-schools/

Today's is a gentle reminder and invitation to take a moment to listen.

Listen to:

🎶 uplifting music

🌲 nature

💓 a meditation

According to an article in the Smithsonian magazine titled "Listening to Nature Gives You a Real Rocky Mountain High," we learn that “sounds like birdsong and flowing water may alleviate stress, help lower blood pressure and lead to feelings of tranquility.”

If you have children, we invite you to make this a family activity as you will be teaching them a lifelong skill of mindful listening.