Teaching children the value of the Earth and all of nature is hard in today’s “tech-crazy” world. It is hard to pry kids away from their game systems, televisions and computers long enough to enjoy the great outdoors.
I say, “Get the kids outside and they will find lots of ways to enjoy themselves, and maybe even get some fresh air and exercise too.” My husband and I started taking our kids to State and National Parks and other “natural” locations very early. We love to point out interesting trees, listen for odd sounds, and walk slowly to try to observe wild life in its natural habitat. Our kids know the names of many plants and animals that others don’t, simply because they have been able to observe them in their natural habitat.
We feel it is very important to teach kids about the who, what, when, where and why of nature so that they will appreciate when they are around it. We also feel is it important to teach them various ways to protect the nature and resources. It is crucial that we think about not only leaving the outdoors as we found them but also what we can do to improve how we found the area.
For example, when you see trash, pick it up. But if you see a dirty corner of the street with grass or simple dirt, ask the owner (town or appropriate officials) if you can clean it up and plant a tree or flowers there. I venture to guess you will not be told no. Many people don’t slow down enough to notice nature, much less to care for it.
My book, Care for Creation, gives parents and teachers an easy way to not only share nature with kids but also to share why it is important to care for the Earth. I hope that my book will inspire entire families and classes to spend more time outdoors looking for the beauty and brainstorming ways they can help make it more beautiful!
Examples of things you can do as a family or group include trash pick up days, flower or tree planting days, energy saver days, education days, nature walks, scavenger hunts, or even water conservation days. Recycling programs are also another way to reduce waste, recycle what can be reused and to educate the public on the effects of throwing everything into landfills.
Still have questions about ways that you and your family or class can help? Contact me via my website (http://www.careforcreationbook.com) and I will share resources I have found during my research for this book. One website I have found to be especially helpful is http://www.futurefriendly.com. This website shares simple ways to obtain reasonable results.
10 Ways Your Family Can Save Energy, Resources & Money
#10 Take out screens in windows and seal any open areas
#9 Use a heavy blanket or draft cover around the edges of exterior doors
#8 Enjoy the nicer days by turning off heater and opening up the house
#7 Leave oven door open after baking to allow heat in the room (Caution: keep children away from the stove, out of the room if possible)
#6 Collect rain water to use for flushing, washing or watering
#5 Insulate your attic with extra blankets or purchase insulation
#4 Wrap pipes with foam sleeves or cover with blankets
#3 Cover your water heater with a blanket to keep warm
#2 Play in the yard rather than going out to the movies
#1 Make your own yummy treats from fresh produce rather than buying it in the stores
About the Book:
Children learn to protect the environment and respect nature through recycling, home energy conservation and neighborhood clean-ups. Through accompanying Bible verses, they are encouraged to be responsible stewards of God's creation.
"Christy Balwin's Care for Creationn is a charming story that teaches children how to care for our environment in a fun and loving way. The colorful illustrations and inspiring verses from the Bible will delight both children and adults. The book is a powerful tool for families that shows how living responsibly can make a difference in our world!" - Tony Townsley, inspiration for Three Cups
"Care for Creation by Christy Baldwin backs up the modern theme of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle with the Biblical messages passed down from our Creator. From the time of Adam and Eve, men and women have been called to care for the Lord’s creations. In this meaningful and inspiring book, children learn how easy and important it is to do their part." - Cheryl C. Malandrinos, author of Little Shepherd
Book web site:
http://www.CareForCreationBook.com
Christy Baldwin Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001044000739
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
Christy Baldwin Bio:
Writing has been a passion of Christy's since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children's titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.
1 comment:
Erin - thank you very much for featuring a guest post from Christy on your blog. We appreciate your support of children's authors.
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