Teacher Appreciation Week: Teach Students to be Green

I loved school. I can still distinctly remember a song from elementary with the mantra “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle… (which may explain a few things.)

Teachers are dedicated individuals who mold our future through their lessons. In honor of our teacher friends & Teacher Appreciation Week (May2-8), we’re sharing ways & resources to help our school’s teachers educate students about being green:

• Use Technology to its Fullest.  Have kids respond to blog posts instead of handing in an essay, or create an online document instead of a poster.   Have students send links to articles they’ve read & reviewed via email, instead of printing them out.  Use online resources instead of packets… You get the idea.
• Conserve Paper. Print double-sided, or make sure to save any paper printed on one side for scrap paper. (I have a bin at my cube behind me for scrap too!)
• Read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. This green book is about conservation and can start conversations – Even high schoolers enjoy it!
• Use a projector to read texts. Better: hand out small white boards & markers and have studnets respond on that.
• Create eco-friendly Art.
• Have your Students Draw their Carbon Footprint.
  
• Recycle Paper. (after you use it.)
• Create a competition - For who can recycle the most or use the least waste.
  
• Turn off Lights when leaving the classroom.
• Incorporate the Environment into your lessons – regardless of your subject. EcoKids Canada, ChildrenoftheEarth.org, Planetpals, the Environment Site, and Planet Green all have activities, ideas & lesson plans for teachers.

Thanks for all your work, teachers!

Posted by Julie

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