There's a Tree in My Kitchen

Happy Earth Week!

Yes, that's right. there is a tree in my kitchen. We were going to plant another apple tree for Earth Day, but the weather had other ideas and dipped below freezing the last couple nights. It's sitting in my kitchen waiting patiently. Here's what we've done so far this week:

Monday
Over breakfast, Ellie and I discussed pollution and that sometimes the air is so bad people can't even go outside without masks to protect them. We searched the internet for pictures of air pollution from factories. "This isn't real, right? This is what could  happen, right?"

I explained to her that this was what has happened in other countries. We discussed that we have laws here to curb toxic smog, but even here sometimes the air in big cities is really bad. On that note I send them outside on this beautiful day since it's about to turn ridiculous cold for this late in April.

We read The Lorax. I explained to her that the whole reason we have Earth Day is to teach children and people how the choices they make affect the earth. If we take without thinking or giving back there will eventually be nothing left.

"Like Wall-e." Thank you, Disney. "Yes, like Wall-e."

I sent them outside again and when they had enough we watched Wall-e and ate a very late lunch.

Tuesday

We read this book. Then we hunted for the recycled symbol all around the house. We discussed the things that can be recycled and the things we own that are made of recycled material.

Then we made bird feeders from recycled milk jugs. After they dried I hung them outside and the girls went out in the freezing cold to fill them.

"Put some pants on under your dresses."
"No, we'll just run really fast."
"Okay."

Anna walked to the tree and back. She wasn't interested in staying out in the cold. I was impressed that the other two stuck it out, found the car, and moved it to the tree to use as a step stool. It took some time and it was cold.

Ellie saw some birds eating this morning, but she scared them when she yelled at us to come look of course.

Wednesday
We're just playing catch up on our normal school work today since we skipped it in favor of other stuff on Monday and Tuesday. We might watch Lorax while I make dinner to keep with the Earth Day theme of the week. Or maybe we'll watch some of the Curious George episodes that have to do with recycling.