We’ve shared the importance of kids being outdoors before, but new research from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign identifies eight ways that incorporating nature-based instruction into kids’ daily school activities promotes better learning. The researchers were skeptical that nature-based teaching would be more effective than traditional teaching methods, so they were surprised at the convincing … Continue reading 8 Ways Teaching in Nature Improves Learning
Earth Day 2019 Clean Up
During the month of April, Earth Day Network is helping to coordinate events to clean up green spaces, urban landscapes, and waterways. Your PTA can organize a clean up event for your school’s grounds or a nearby park, or you can join an existing clean up event. If doing your own event, don’t forget to … Continue reading Earth Day 2019 Clean Up
The 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle
Remember the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle campaign? The new year is a great time to expand your sustainability mindset and move to the 5Rs: Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. The first addition of refuse (just say, “No, thank you.”) can go a long way in preserving the environment. Many teachers and families use the … Continue reading The 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle
End-of-Summer Activities
If you’re hoping to catch the last of summer’s sun and fun, there’s still time to celebrate the season (while avoiding those back-to-school displays at your favorite retailers). Teachers and parents alike will want to check out the Every Kid in a Park program from the National Park Service. Every 4thgrader in the United States … Continue reading End-of-Summer Activities
Nurture a Love of Nature and Health with These Resources
Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has a website to help nurture your child’s interest in the environment, science, and health. The site, Kids Environment Kids Health, provides resources for parents, teachers, and kids to explore these topics. Among the topics covered on the site … Continue reading Nurture a Love of Nature and Health with These Resources
Illinois PTA Advocacy Day 2017
Today is Illinois PTA Advocacy Day. Even if you can’t join us in Springfield, you can still participate. If you have a few minutes sometime in the next few days, send an e-mail to your legislators. The text is prewritten for you, though you can edit it or add more if you would like to. … Continue reading Illinois PTA Advocacy Day 2017
Illinois PTA Convention Preview—Resolutions
The 115th Annual Illinois PTA Convention will be held on April 7th and 8th at the Hilton—Naperville. Convention is a great opportunity to attend interesting workshops and network with other PTA leaders, but it is also the time that the Illinois PTA conducts its business. Part of that business is directing the legislative and advocacy … Continue reading Illinois PTA Convention Preview—Resolutions
SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water
Senate Bill 550 (SB550), the Preventing Lead in Drinking Water bill, was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on Monday, January 16, 2017. The bill has been a key focus for Illinois PTA advocacy this past year, and its passage is a win for the children of Illinois. It is also a reminder that … Continue reading SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water
Lead in School Drinking Water—What Families Need to Know
Note: Illinois PTA has an advocacy campaign running now through January 10, 2017 to urge the Illinois House to join the Illinois Senate in passing SB550, a bill that would require testing every unique drinking water source in all Illinois schools and report high lead levels to families. If you were looking to make a … Continue reading Lead in School Drinking Water—What Families Need to Know
A Green Thumb’s Up for Science and Math in Your Garden
Spring is a time of renewal, and one great way to get children outside and connected with nature is through gardening. It’s an opportunity for them to learn not only about fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating but also about science, math, and language arts in a hands-on living laboratory. Whether your garden is a windowsill … Continue reading A Green Thumb’s Up for Science and Math in Your Garden
Celebrate the 45th Earth Day This April 22
The 45th Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, and it’s not too late to plan an event at your school or in your community. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has lots of resources focused on students to help both parents and teachers engage students on the environment. Among the resources are: Teacher … Continue reading Celebrate the 45th Earth Day This April 22
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