Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

by Dr. Sarah Habibi

The long hot summer is starting to wind up. Our kids have been at home away from their traditional learning environments for many weeks. While this break is necessary for children, it’s also helpful to keep them stimulated during the summer months. You can do this with hands-on, fun activities that help to combat ‘learning loss’ — the loss of knowledge and skills due to the long breaks away from the classroom.

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

Sounds valuable, right? It seems I’m not the only parent who could use a few tips and tricks for getting started! More than half (56 per cent) of parents are tired of this yearly struggle, almost all (94 per cent) want their kids to learn more about science, and more than three-quarters (81 per cent) are looking for activities that will keep their kids’ minds stimulated. 

To support parents on the quest for engaging in summer activities rooted in science, I have applied my scientific skills in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and the kids’ conservation organization, Earth Rangers. Together, we’ve developed the Future Farmer Mission which is available free of charge via the Earth Rangers app. Why not log on and discover the many exciting and interactive eco-activities that can turn your kids into Future Farmers? 

Discover the Future Farmer Mission

The Future Farmer Mission, which includes the two eco-activities outlined below, will introduce kids to regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture, also called ‘climate-smart agriculture’ is a farming practice that aims to improve the land by keeping the soil healthy. A big aspect of regenerative agriculture includes composting, increasing biodiversity, and rotating crops throughout each season to ensure the soil gets a mixture of vital nutrients. Regenerative agriculture practices aren’t just for farmers, they can be applied right at home and it’s a worthwhile eco-activity for kids! This practice teaches them that changes to how we grow our food can help sustain Canada’s food supply for years to come.

Read on for two Future Farmer activities that can help you get outdoors, learn, and connect with your kids:

Activity 1: Make a DIY Compost

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

Composting is an aspect of regenerative farming that helps the health of our soil. Composting uses decomposed organic matter, often found in old plants and food scraps, to give the soil back vital nutrients it needs to grow. It also helps to reduce your household garbage output, leading to less waste in landfills. Composting as a family is a great way to get children involved. This also gives them a sense of pride from the nutrient-rich soil they will produce as a result.

To start, you will need the following materials: A large bin, drill, dried leaves, black earth soil, a shovel, and food scraps.

STEPS:

1. Flip your bin over and drill 5-10 coin-sized holes (depending on the size of your bin)
2. Inside the bin, layer dried leaves, then soil, then food scraps
3. Give the contents of the compost bin a little mix with your shovel. Then place the bin in a shaded area of your backyard
4. Routinely add food scraps to the top of the pile and turn in with the soil.

Voila, you have your very own compost at home!

Activity 2: Plant your own vegetable garden

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

Starting a vegetable garden is easy! This gives children a sense of achievement when they see their seedlings sprout for the first time. Not to mention, it will save on grocery costs, while also providing nutrient-rich foods that children are excited to eat. Starting a vegetable garden will also teach children patience and care, as plants need daily watering and nurturing to grow. Seeing them progress each day will encourage children to keep up their good work.

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

To start, you will need the following materials: small seeding pots, black earth soil, plastic coverings (can be plastic wrap or clear lids), your vegetable seeds of choice, water, a sunny space, and larger pots for transferring.

STEPS:

1. Fill 5-10 seeding pots with black earth soil
2. Make a hole about 1 cm deep into the soil (or as recommended on the seed packet) and place 1-2 seeds in it.
3. Cover the hole with additional soil and water generously.
4. Cover the seeding pots with plastic wrap or a clear lid. Place them near a sunny window in your house.
5. Monitor each day and water if the soil begins to dry out.
6. Once the seed has sprouted, remove the plastic covering, monitor growth for another 2-3 days, and prepare to transfer the grown seedling outside.
7. Fill a larger pot with black earth soil and make a small hole to place the seedling into.
8. Pack the seedling into the new larger pot, place in a sunny spot outside, and water daily.

Prepare to watch your vegetable garden flourish!

Join the Future Farmer Mission

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss

Introducing your children to science doesn’t always have to involve being indoors and glued to technology. There is always something to learn, especially when it comes to sustainability and helping to keep our planet healthy. Keen to learn more? Download the Earth Rangers app or visit EarthRangers.com.

1. About this Study: These findings are from a survey conducted by Maple Leaf Foods from April 8th to April 10th, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,500 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.