The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics, a commitment to call for the end of plastics “for the sake of human and planetary health”. The theme’s proposed goal is to reduce the production of plastics by 60% in 2040 and ultimately build a plastic-free future. Therefore, all school teams have chosen activities, presentations with external speaker, songs, lyrics, and a movie projection aimed at raising awareness and reducing plastic usage in our daily routines. As the world celebrates Earth Day 2024, Maple Bear schools across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability through a variety of engaging projects tailored to inspire young minds.
Maple Bear Kindergarten Cluj, Romania
In Maple Bear Cluj, the day begins with a captivating storytelling session centered around the tale of the ‘Sick Planet’, a narrative that underscores the significance of nurturing our precious Earth. Following this, students dive into a series of eco-friendly initiatives. From a collective clean-up of the kindergarten’s garden to a mindful conservation effort focusing on water resources, and an imaginative craft session using eco-friendly materials, every activity is designed to instill a sense of responsibility towards our environment.
Moreover, tailored discussions deep dive into addressing the environmental issues, ensuring that students of all ages gain a deeper understanding of their common role in preserving our planet.
Maple Bear Kindergarten and Elementary School Katowice, Poland
In Katowice, elementary students embark on the “Buddies with Ecology” outdoor game at Silesian Park, fostering teamwork and environmental awareness in a fun and interactive setting. Meanwhile, kindergarten students get hands-on experience in a workshop where they build robots from recycled materials, learning the importance of repurposing and reducing waste.
The school also embraces the “Popcorn Straight from the Garden” project, providing students with the opportunity to grow their own corn and witness the transformation into popcorn. This initiative not only teaches valuable lessons about nature and science but also promotes sustainable food practices.
Maple Bear Elementary Sofia, Bulgaria
To honor our planet, Maple Bear students had an unforgettable day featuring inspiring speakers, creative workshops and earth-friendly educational activities.
The Maple Bear students learned about the devastating effects of pollution and deforestation and took home practical advice on how even the smallest actions can help reduce their footprint and support the planet. They were also introduced to the exciting world of bees and their vital importance to the survival of our ecosystem. They understood how dependent we are on these tireless pollinators and why it is so important to protect their habitats.
Last but not least, the students made their own bird feeders, eco-friendly bags from old clothes and helped plant various plants. Each student left with an “Earth warrior” certificate in honor of their contribution to the protection of our home planet.
Maple Bear Kindergarten and School Kyiv, Ukraine
That sounds like a fantastic activity for Earth Day! Engaging students through music is a creative way to reinforce important concepts like reducing, reusing, and recycling. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents while spreading awareness about environmental conservation. How did the performance go? Please take a look at the video:
Maple Bear Pre-school and Kindergarten Belgrade, Serbia
Celebrating Earth Day the Maple Bear Belgrade way! Our little environmentalists spent the day getting their hands dirty and their minds engaged in activities that honor our planet Earth.
The young learners rolled up our sleeves and got down to planting, because what better way to support our ecosystem than by giving back to the Earth itself?
At Maple Bear Belgrade, every day is Earth Day, and we’re committed to nurturing a generation of responsible stewards for our planet.
Maple Bear Pre-school and Kindergarten Sofia, Bulgaria
During the art and craft session today, the Maple Bear students embarked on a special project titled “Earth”. With the help of green and blue paint and brushes, they brought our planet to life on paper. Painting serves as a powerful tool for children, enabling them to communicate ideas, express emotions, engage their senses, delve into colors, experiment with processes and outcomes, and craft aesthetically pleasing creations and experiences.
Maple Bear Kindergarten Tirana, Albania
In the spirit of Earth Day, Maple Bear Tirana embraced a day of hands-on engagement with our planet. They eagerly planted flower and plants to support the planet Earth!
Across CEE, Maple Bear schools are not only educating students about environmental issues but also empowering them to take meaningful action. By instilling a sense of stewardship and fostering a deep connection to nature, these initiatives pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. As we celebrated Earth Day 2024, let us remember that every small step counts in preserving our planet for generations to come.