Over the last few weeks I have been reading the Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook: STEAM projects to help kids make a difference by Alan & Gill Bridgewater. I love a craft book and this has a great mix of projects for crafty kids like mine.
Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook
The Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook offers a wide range of ways to capture the imagination and make a positive contribution to the world around us. Twenty-eight exciting projects support integrated STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, maths), all with easy to follow step-by-step instructions and photographs.
By cleverly combining creativity with eco-awareness, this timely book encourages children aged 7-14 to build a wind turbine and a go-kart to create light, grow vegetables, and make green gifts. Chapters include How to Use Tools Safely and Properly, Eco Homestead, Eco Food, Eco Energy and Water, Eco Go and Eco Accessories.
Both my children get plenty of opportunities to learn new skills outside of the school thanks the Beavers and Cubs, but this book has some great ideas for learning at home too. My son was recently appointed an Energy Monitor at school so he has enjoyed reading this book to get some new ideas to share at school
Traditional skills are easy to learn and help children become independent. There are some fun ideas which your children can do on their own, but also lots where you can work as a family. I love the eco den and whilst we don’t have the space to try it, there are plenty of smaller scale projects which we can do. It’s not just a craft book though. Each project is reinforced with information to help children understand the importance of re-using materials, and the impact our actions can have on the world.
The Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook was published on 20th February, priced £10.99. It’s available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
