Going Green

As St Patrick's Day approaches, I've been thinking over just what it is I'd like to do for my preschoolers. Of course my primary concern is that they learn and have fun while doing it.

So for this year's St Patty's Day theme, I've chosen "Going Green."

I'm not just talking about teaching recycling to three, four, and five year olds. Although this is quite possible and fun, too. I'm talking all things green. From snacks to activities.

First in the plan of activities is to talk to them about planting seeds and about helping those seeds to grow. This is often accomplished best by reading an age appropriate book on planting seeds. Once you have talked about how to plant and taught about watering, rain, and sunlight for the plant, think about creating your own classroom garden, or at least starting your own classroom plant.

I like to survey my children on what type of plant would be their favorite: flowering plant, vegetable, or basic green plant. We do this with a simple raise of hands as I call off each plant type. This year, we are going to try to plant and grow a flowering plant. Wish me luck with that.

Indoor plants work best if you do not have room for an actual indoor garden and one plant is really all you need to get your preschool students actively learning and getting some of their first experiences with science. While planting, ask the children to smell the potting soil with you. Invite them to get their hands in it in order to feel the texture. When you've put the dirt into the pot, pick a child to help plant (make a hole in the dirt with his finger) and another to drop the seed in. Pick another child, and one each day as necessary, to help you water the plant. Each day you can pick your line leader or special helper to help you observe changes in the plant such as in growth, or color. Have him or her verbally report back to the class what they saw. It could be that the plant's leaves are turning yellow or that it smells sweet, but I promise they will enjoy learning something new and different and will be thrilled at having the responsibility.

In addition and weather permitting, take your students outdoors for a four-leaf clover hunt. I guarantee they'll love it. Even if all they find are regular, three-leafed clovers, be sure to count them together; each leaf and each clover. A math and science lesson all rolled into one.

Back to that recycling idea, children are nearly never too young to learn the basics of recycling. Ask your preschool if it would be possible to set up mini-recycling bins for the kids to toss paper and plastic into. This can be done per classroom or center wide. Teach children why it's good for the environment (people, animals, and the earth) if we recycle. You can teach this through books and pictures and in creating classroom routines. I have a recycling container for paper set up in my classroom separate from the trash and have explained the difference in regular trash and recycling to my early learners. If possible, children should be allowed to bring paper and plastic from home to place in bins for collection.

If you are looking for a crafty idea for your little ones, try tracing and cutting out shamrocks from green construction paper. Have your students paste their freshly cut shamrocks onto precut strips of thick paper. When finished, you can put one around each child's head in order to make a shamrock hat. Just tape the ends of strips together in the back, or hole punch a hole in each end and lace string through. Then, as you tie together, the hat will be easily adjustable around the child's head. Be sure to give the children mirrors so they can see what they look like in their finished product.

And don't think I forgot about the snacks! First of all, this is a great time to read the classic "Green Eggs and Ham" and make it as a snack for your children, too. That is, if you haven't already tried this for Dr. Suess's birthday. You may want to try this in a large group area or in the lunch room. Green dyed Rice Krispy Treats are a fun and yummy snack for classroom time as well, or small Zip Lock bags filled with Lucky Charms. You can even staple a cute note to each bag (ex. "I'm so lucky to have you in class") and put a bag in each child's personal cubby to take home. Another fun idea is to serve green Hawaiian Punch and call it leprechaun juice. Whatever it is you do, (teaching about leprechauns and actual lucky charms, etc.) let it begin by capturing their interests and attention. It is then that they will learn through enjoyment.

If you have questions, comments, or additional ideas, feel free to share. I'd love to read them.