Talking carbon footprints, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and sustainability can be a confusion of scientific terms to young children, our workshop teaches these terms in an innovative and accessible way to primary schools. It links to topics covered in Science, Geography and English with creative learning. And was the perfect link for Year 5’s sustainability week at Clough Head Junior and Infant School.
The workshop began with the question: “What do we all do every day?” An open question with a myriad of answers: I eat my breakfast, I brush my teeth, I get dressed, I go to school, I play on my computer, I watch TV. The list is endless; but each of these actions have an impact on our planet; and these impacts are measured by our carbon footprint. The more we travel, buy new things, throw rubbish in the bin (again, the list is endless!) the bigger our carbon footprint. We then ask, “How can we turn these footprints into green and sustainable ones?” and were impressed by their thoughtful responses, and how quick they are to understand that little steps to change the world make a big difference. Discussions follow on power, waste and recycling, food growing, walking to school, and buying second hand.
The workshop continued with the BIG GREEN QUIZ to consolidate knowledge and understanding as to how making changes to behaviour makes a real difference. Did you know each child throws away 45kg of wastepaper every year? But if we were to recycle that we would save 7 trees? Did you know that when you leave a tap on whilst brushing your teeth you can waste over 24 litres of water? Or did you know 21% of all greenhouse gases come from leaving lights on or leaving a computer/tv on standby? Switch it off!
We do these things (recycling, saving energy, walking to school and more) to show our love and care for the planet. To carry these messages home and provide prompts for deeper conversations each child created their own individual work of art using recycled materials. The classroom turns into an art studio with everyone working hard to design a green love heart from old magazines and cardboard boxes.
Talking about the steps we can take is the very first way to change the world. We hope we inspire conversations, discussions, ideas and then action through our workshops. Thank you to Clough Head for inviting us to be part of your sustainability week in school. The power of our little steps to change the world should not be underestimated. It’s important to RETHINK the action we do every day. To REUSE our resources, to REPAIR our old clothes and broken things. To REFUSE bags in shops and cups in coffee shops. To REFILL and REPURPOSE when we can. And, of course, RECYCLE.
“A thought provoking workshop from fairandfunky today. We are working hard to create our own climate action plan in school and the ideas given from the workshop will contribute towards this.” Deputy Headteacher, The Heights Federation.
If your school is interested in booking ‘Sustainability Steps’ please email helen@fairandfunky.com for details.
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