Rights Respecting ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Rights Respecting Article of the Week - Earth Day- 22nd April
Earth Day takes place every year on April 22 to show support for the protection of the environment and our planet.
Since 1970, Earth Day has brought together people, governments and companies from around the world, supporting them to do something positive for the environment.
It promotes the fact that ‘change starts with action’ and we can all take action and encourage others to take action that positively impacts on the world around us.
This week's activities link to the following articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Article 6 (Life, survival and development)
Every child has the right to be alive. Governments must make sure that children survive and develop in the best possible way.
Article 24 ((Health and Health Services)
Children have the right to the best health care possible, clean water to drink, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.
Introducing Earth Day
Exploring Earth Day
Discuss what do you and your family do that helps the environment and the planet?
Here are some possibilities:
•Reduce, reuse, recycle.
•Litter picking.
•Buy local to reduce food miles.
•Eat less meat and dairy produce.
•Turn off lights, TV etc when not in use.
•Walk to school.
•Donate clothes and toys that are still in good condition.
•Use a ‘bag for life’.
•Don’t waste water.
•Use a reusable water bottle.
What else did you think of?
In school on Monday, Earth Day was marked in school worship, and we discussed the things that we can do to look after the planet.
The book 'Clean Up' was read, and the children were surprised to learn how much plastic is polluting the oceans. There were lots of ideas about how they would help to 'clean up'.
There is a videobook version here
Here are some suggested activities for you to do at home to celebrate Earth Day. You do not need to complete every activity, but if you have time, you can try to complete more than one.
Marli's Tangled Tale
Watch or read Marli’s Tangled Tale by children’s author Ellie Jackson about the impact of plastic waste on a family of puffins or read one of the other books in the series.
Consider the impact of balloons and other plastic waste on wildlife in the sea. How could we prevent this?
Learning about sustainability
Watch this short film about sustainability told in the form of a fairy tale. Celebrate all the great things you are already doing in school or at home to protect and restore the earth. Create a display to showcase these things and discuss what more you could do?
Making a difference in our town
Think about our town of Marlow. Are there any issues or challenges to the environment, such as air pollution, litter or lack of green spaces? What could be done? Write a letter or record a video to send to the MP or the council.
Discuss how these things might affect children’s rights.