Can’t think of anything to do in April??
April is Poetry Month, it is also Earth Month and next week, just in case you were wondering, there is also National Library Week (April 12-18). Throw a couple of spring time festivals in there like Easter and the like, and indeed, there is much to get us moving around this month!
In case you missed Earth Hour (which was March 28), this month brings a host of things to do. If you have teenagers, encourage them to visit www.teensturninggreen.org for their latest ideas on Project Green Prom. They have a video contest for ideas for how to green a prom and also a Toolkit! Just visit their website to find more about how teens are increasingly getting involved with safe and healthy life choices.
Then, of course, there is Earth Day itself, April 22,when you can celebrate all you are 
doing for the earth in terms of recycling, going organic, growing trees and gardens and saving water!
On the creative front, my young son is in week 3 of a living art class. So far he has grown grass hair for a little sock man and a small garden on radishes growing in the bottom of an old milk carton (just cut off the top, add seeding mix, and some radish seeds. Have kids make a little fence with painted sticks and hey presto!). We also have a small jar full of wet, colored tissue paper in the middle forming a blanket for 3 little beans which have just sprouted and are sending their curly heads towards the top of the jar. Just this afternoon, we made pinecone bird feeders with some peanut butter and bird seed (cover the pinecones with the peanut butter and then roll in the bird seed. You’ll need to attach some string once they are done to hang them outside). It’s been a bit hit and miss with the weather so we’re pretty sure our bird friends will love us tomorrow! If you would like some other ideas for kids for Earth Day/Month, check out Kaboose where they have a host of great projects for all ages!
Finally, there’s the library. Why buy books and movies when you can go and rent them for free from your library? Libraries are brilliant spaces for kids, putting on story times, information sessions, art activities etc, not to mention the great earth conscious learning that comes from borrowing, lending and sharing books with others. My kids love to go to the library to choose their books and a movie a week. They are extraordinary gifts and public spaces for the community and have provided me with a home away from home when I have been traveling. Whatever you need to know, you can find it at the local library! Let’s make sure to support all those who give time and energy in these special places!
So, this month, get out there and do some earth loving art! Visit your library, engage your green thumb and create…let’s get started with art!
With thanks to sifter for the beautiful image of a British library!
Kirsten Broadfoot
