Fall back into new eco-habits!

Sep 2023

September is a beautiful month to take advantage of the outdoors! Our feature activity this month is a fun game to get kids outside and observing the natural world around them. We also have some tips for making “eco-resolutions” with your students to help get the new school year started on the right foot. Here’s our first big idea: Why not start an Earth Rangers Club at your school? Don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Our popular program is back and better than ever. Signing up is free and you’ll have instant access to our handy Club Leader Guide and Club Missions to get you started.

Is it a duck? Is it a rabbit? Is it good for us? Is it good for nature? Magic Camera is a fun way to observe the world around us from different perspectives. By “taking pictures” of the schoolyard, students think about how human-made objects have an effect on animals and the importance of taking care of our animal friends.

EARTH RANGERS HOMEROOM Did you know that Earth Rangers has a whole site dedicated to ready-to-use resources for educators? This activity and many more can be found on Earth Rangers Homeroom. Looking for resources in French? Ma Classe Éco has everything you need.

Have students brainstorm ways we can take care of the environment. Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Did you spend time in nature over the summer?
• Did you do anything over the summer to help nature?
• Why is it important to take care of the environment?
• What are some things people can do to take care of the environment
• What could we do as a class to make a difference?

For older students, the game Ways to Protect the Planet is a great starting point.
Next, invite each student to choose one or two things they will do this year to take care of the environment. Have them make a poster illustrating their choice. These posters can decorate a bulletin board or be hung on the wall. After a month or so, they can be put away and brought out again at the end of the year to see how things went.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BOOK: One Earth by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Rogério Coelho (2020, ‎WorthyKids). This book, adapted for K-3, celebrates our planet and moves kids to action.SITE: Save the Earth Tips (National Geographic Kids)

Are you interested in starting a club?Check out our Earth Rangers Club Hub to get started!

Eco-anxiety is a reality for children today. The five modules of our micro-credential give educators a chance to deepen their understanding of eco-anxiety, to develop tools to help children manage their feelings, to explore concrete teaching approaches, and to learn ways to support student-led stewardship projects. For more information or to sign up, visit our website!

Many interesting magical characters and fantastical creatures make their appearance at the end of October. Next month, in the spirit of Halloween, we’ll make eco-responsible costumes and launch the Homeroom “Peculiar Animal Contest”. Will your class create the most intriguing animal? Only time will tell…