Earthwise : Environmental Crafts and Activities With Young Children

by Carol Petrash

Earthwise is full of practical ideas for nature crafts and seasonal activities to encourage young children to be aware of their environment. The activities are carefully written and beautifully illustrated, and will encourage children to develop a respect for nature, the earth and all living creatures. Children will learn about their dependence on the earth's produce (by taking stalks of wheat and turning them into bread-flour); how to create and not just consume (by making their own gifts); how to make butter and grow food (even in the city); and how to make outdoor playhouses from natural materials. The book also contains seasonal suggestions for making a more Earth-friendly home and classroom, and a comprehensive list of resources and suppliers.

Genres: Reference

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Hilary]

Divided into the four seasons this inspiring craft book uses natural materials to produce some very pleasing crafts, activities, ideas for play and cooking. The emphasis is on seasonal ideas using natural materials and quite open ended ideas so you can use this for inspiration and use your imagination to create some really nice craft projects. Pine cone elves, walnut candle boats, stain glass windows, indoor lakes and islands, bean dens, clove and orange pomanders, bird feeder pine cones, dried apple rings and much more .

Carol Petrash has many years kindergarten experience and has come up with some lovely crafts to make, they are easy and effective, the instructions are clearly explained and accompanied with soft pencil drawings. The crafts, activities and recipes are linked to the seasons giving children a greater understanding of the natural changes in the year. A great resource for any group or family.