There will be a tremendous range of activities all over for Earth Day. Have you and your child ever gone on a “hello-walk” in your neighborhood? While one of the most simple things to do is to go for a walk, it’s one of the most special because we get to say hello to everything around us. That’s basically a hello-walk is, going for a walk and greeting different parts of Earth. An awareness of surroundings helps with kindergarten readiness but connecting to nature will last a lifetime.
For some added fun, find a piece of paper in the recycling and trace your child’s hand. Cut this out and tape to a straw. Now, on the walk, your child can wave hello to nature and greet Earth.
Together, you and your child can dress for the weather and go for a walk. Look up and down and all around. What’s the sky like where you are? Can you and and your child say hello to the clouds? It’s hard to say hello to the sun, because it’s too bright to look at, but we can wave. There might be raindrops in the sky for some people, or even a rainbow.
Now, for the ground. Check out what’s just underneath your feet. There could be grass, or rocks, or dirt, or flowers, or for some cooler places, still snow on the ground. Say hello to what’s down there. Worms and bugs are often hiding in the grass. If possible, let your child turn over some rocks and see what might be there. Remember to say hello and listen carefully. Did they answer?
If it’s spring where you live, are there any flowers? We are fortunate enough to have blossoms on the cherry and apple trees, so we can tell the trees that we love all the pink and white flowers. Are there other plants?
This simple conversation will last a lifetime! What will you and your child do for Earth Day today?