APRIL 2022
Let’s Celebrate the Earth!
April is a great month to celebrate the environment with your little ones! There’s Arbor Day, Earth Day and it’s National Gardening Month. Head outside and explore nature with your budding scientists. Talk about the different trees you see and make sure to thank them for giving us the air we breathe! Visit our website to learn about more ways to celebrate the environment!
Save Energy to Help Save the Planet
It’s never too early to teach children about being good stewards of the earth. The first step is to model the behavior you want to see, especially when your little ones can’t comprehend what you’re doing. Conserve water by turning it off while you brush your teeth. Whenever you leave a room, be sure to turn off the lights. Try not to keep unused appliances plugged in or plug them into an energy-saving power strip. If you use air conditioning in the warmer months, keep your blinds or curtains closed to help keep the cool air in.

Remember, doing simple, small things every day can make an impact. Keep an eye out for other great conservation tips on Facebook and Instagram!
Four Steps to Help Encourage Independent Play
Independent play is a great way for children to practice using their executive function and problem-solving skills as well as their blossoming imaginations. If you’re not sure where to start, our Educational Advisory Board has created four steps to get started!

  1. Choose the right space. Select a space where they can play safely and independently.
  2. Find age-appropriate toys. Look around your home for toys and materials. These can be anything from cardboard boxes to balls, building bricks, toy cars and dolls.
  3. Play the open-ended way. If you’re child isn’t sure how to start, begin with open-ended play. Ask or show them how to build a tower, create a maze or how to stack cups. Then sit back and let your child play without interruption.
  4. Ask questions. Depending on your child’s age, ask them about what they did during their independent playtime. Wait until after your child has shown or told you what they did, and then ask additional open-ended questions to help them engage in critical thinking and language practice.
Make Your Own Terrarium*
In honor of Earth Day, make an upcycled, DIY terrarium your little ones will love!

Materials:
  • Clean plastic bottle
  • Potting soil
  • Gravel or pebbles
  • Small plants like succulents
  • Scissors
  • Watering can or spray bottle

Directions:
  1. Cut the bottle in half. Then slice 1-inch slits on both sides of the bottom of the bottle.
  2. Add a couple of handfuls or gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the bottle.
  3. Fill the bottle about halfway up with soil.
  4. Add in your plant. Then add more soil, leaving a little space between the leaves of your plant and the soil.
  5. Water the soil until it is moist. Slide the top of the bottle onto the bottom using the slits you cut.
  6. Make sure the soil stays moist and enjoy your upcycled terrarium!
*An adult should oversee all of the activities. This activity may not be appropriate for all ages. 
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc.
Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2022