Teaching your eco-friendly child about the power of wind

by Karen Rewcastle July 19, 2019

10 fun activities to help your child understand the possibilities of wind.

Exploring ‘the wind’ is a great opportunity to introduce children the impact of climate change and global warming and how clean energy, such as wind generation, can reduce greenhouse emissions.

1. Go for a windy walk - chat about what things move in the wind and why.

2. Chat about different strengths of wind - calm, light breeze, fresh breeze, high wind, gale, hurricane. (Tip! - write these descriptions on a piece of paper and ask your child to sort them into the correct order, or ask then to draw a visual representation of each description.)

3. Research some of the windiest places in NZ and on earth and plot them on a map.

4. Colour fun wind images.

5. Find pictures of different windmills or visit one.

6. Visit one of New Zealand’s 17 wind farms or take a virtual tour.

7. Design or draw a picture of a windmill or wind turbine.

8. Craft your own wind turbine, windmill or pinwheel.

9. Visit the library to find cool books about wind power.

10. Pretend to be a weather reporter talking about wind.

HOW SNAIL MAIL STORIES ARE DOING THEIR BIT

Snail Mail Stories deliver nature-themed envelopes to children’s letterboxes every month, all across New Zealand. Each envelope includes an inspiring letter, poetry, activities and crafts, all designed to encourage kids to learn and play in a sustainable way.

This month’s envelope is all about the wind!

Our fictional characters will be telling their pen-pals all about wind power. There is a beautiful poem by Christina Rossetti, a gorgeous vintage illustration, open-ended questions designed as great conversation starters, fun and easy wind experiments, plus imaginative art and crafts.