Great Green Idea: Green Parenting: Homeschoolers are Going Green!

Homeschoolers are Going Green!

Homeschooling is a very fun adventure for parents and children alike. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about green living and what can be done to help the environment. The opportunities are endless.

Green Celebrations

Each holiday that is celebrated with the family in the home school setting can be used as an opportunity to add a green celebration. With each holiday, think about ways to celebrate by helping the earth or using eco-friendly solutions. Family time is a very special time and kids love to celebrate!

Lesson Planning

Lesson planning can be full of rich ideas of green living concepts. Learning is natural with most children and they love to explore. Lesson plans can include ideas such as:

* What are green living principles?
* How does the use of plastic affect our earth?
* Are air fresheners good for daily use?
* Are cosmetics good for your skin?
* Community Action Projects
* Increasing Public Awareness
* How to save our environment
* Research on organic fabrics or foods

The possibilities are many and each lesson can be taught on the child's learning level. Asking open-ended questions allow the child to think of ways to help our world.

Going Recycled

Using recycled products whenever possible helps to save waste in our world. Children can learn to look at products and make decisions to use those that are eco-friendly. Children are very creative and love to find ways to reuse items even in ways that adults would not consider. Children also love to be involved in a recycling program.

Green Nutrition

Discuss and research ways to eat healthier as a family unit. Discuss organic foods as compared to inorganic foods. Discuss food dehydration and proper storage techniques. It is also a wonderful experience to grow a flower or vegetable garden together. Younger kids love to dig in the dirt and water plants. Discuss the nutritional value of different fruits, vegetables, meats and other food stuff.

Energy savings

Energy savings is always another concern for families with children. Homeschoolers can learn and apply principles at home to help save energy. Using energy efficient light bulbs, turning off lights or televisions when not truly in use, using less water in the home as well as a variety of energy saving applications can be used. Children can also help figure possible savings by consistently applying themselves.

World View

Homeschoolers love to learn about other countries. They learn how each country has different languages, customs as well as an array of differences. Students can also learn how each country participates in green living principles.

Homeschooling is an awesome time to teach the next generation about saving the environment and being responsible in living green. The option of teaching is an open door to many opportunities of green living concepts.