Celebrate Green Blog

One of our readers asked us to talk about this topic. Thanks Sharon!

Every school and classroom does things differently, so some suggestions may apply and others may not. Here are just a few thoughts to get you started.

1. Substitute healthier/organic treats for conventional candy. While organic may be more expensive, instead of handfuls, choosing one beautiful organic chocolate heart for each child (like these from www.Sjaaks.com that cost 65 cents each, for instance), teaches quality over quantity. When the children eat them, suggest they close their eyes and let the chocolate melt in their mouth so they really appreciate the experience.

2. In place of a commercial drink for the party, make strawberry milk shakes using organic milk, strawberries (add a banana if you like), and honey (assuming no one is allergic to any of these ingredients). Easy to make in a blender and kids love pressing the on and off switch to make their own shakes.

3. Request that teachers ask children not to bring store bought valentines to exchange. Valentine’s Day is the second biggest holiday for sales of greeting cards, Kids’ cards contribute significantly to the waste and use of trees. Instead, make Valentine construction a party activity. Supply plenty of old magazines, recycled paper, ribbons, stickers etc. Then have each child choose the name of one other from a box and make a special valentine just for this person. Also, have each child make a card for the teacher. Once the valentines are made, have each child come to the front of the class with the recipient and present the valentine. After all the kids have received their valentines, each child can individually present the teacher with hers. Again, this is a great lesson for children in quality over quantity.

4. Another choice instead of cards for the teach, have the children make flowers from recycled tissue. All the flowers, when inserted in a glass jar, make a sweet gift and can be enjoyed for a long time.

5. Older children might like another idea for making a Valentine for the teacher. Draw a giant heart on the white (or chalk) board. Everyone lines up by height. The smallest child goes to the white board and begins by writing something she likes about the teacher inside the heart. The next child adds another comment. Be sure to write small so everyone’s sentence fits inside the heart. Take a photo of the teacher and children in front of the valentine.

6. Create a Valentine’s Day puppet show or musical (depending on the ages of the children). Cut out heart shapes from recycled or tree-free paper. Have the children draw faces on the hearts, then tape to sticks. Divide the children into groups and have each group devise a two or three minute show using the stick puppets.

7. Make the children aware of the importance of recycling on Valentine’s and every other day. Appoint one child the day’s “Green Leader.” Have him or her collect items including paper from projects as well as any other materials including food, that can be recycled. Have a parent ready to take the recyclables home if the school does not supply the proper bins.

Readers, please share your ideas in the comments section.