Jana Stanfield
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs.
But the world needs all the good that I can do.”
Globally, we have all felt the pace of our days momentarily slow down. With individuals and families staying home, the once bustling streets of cities around the world are now quiet. While humanity is facing unprecedented difficulties and hardships, a small beacon of hope has emerged, as it is during this time that our Earth began to heal.
We can see these changes throughout the world. In parts of India, people can see the peaks of the Himalayas for the first time in decades. In Venice, the waters in the canals are now running clearer. Cities have less air pollution than ever before. Our collective carbon footprint has decreased, and even in this short period of time our Earth has begun to repair itself.
Our planet has shown us that it is incredibly resilient and that our actions have the ability to bring about meaningful change. The time will come when our lives will go back to what we were used to, but we must not forget the lessons that we have learned. Our Earth is the one thing we all have in common, and we must come together to preserve it for generations to come. Wishing everyone a beautiful Earth Day.
Be well,
Sandra Bosnar-Dale & Isabelle Kunicki
Co-Founders & Directors of The Clover School
This week, on our social media channels, we encouraged our families to participate in Meatless Monday – or going meatless any day of the week. How could the world look different if everyone collectively reduced their meat intake by 14%? By not eating meat just one day a week, you can help reduce your carbon footprint, as reducing your meat intake helps minimize water usage, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lessens our dependency on fossil fuels.
Oh She Glows is a plant-based food blog by Angela Liddon, who lives with her family in the Greater Toronto Area. Her first cookbook, The Oh She Glows Cookbook, is a New York Times Bestseller. She has two young children, and her recipes are yummy, easy to make, and sure to be a hit with your whole family!
Have your child help you make dinner and share it with us by tagging us @thecloverschool. We cannot wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen!
PLANT-BASED MEAL INSPIRATION FROM OH SHE GLOWS
Having to stay at home doesn’t have to stop your child from being able to go on adventures. Visit the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Travel to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Be captivated by the tale of Robin Hood. There are so many wonderful stories that can spark the imaginations of children of all ages! Audible provides a library of free audio books for your whole family.
A great way to celebrate Earth Day with your children is by doing a nature scavenger hunt. There is so much see and explore, even in your own neighbourhood. Below, you will find a list of what you can search for on your next family walk. Snap some photos and share them with us on social media by tagging us @thecloverschool. We love to see our students connecting with nature!
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT
During these uncertain times, there are so many opportunities to show our love and help brighten the days of others. During a family walk, have your child collect stones. When they return home, have them paint the stones with symbols or messages of hope. On your next walk, have your child leave these encouragement stones along the way. By doing this, they will leave a little reminder for anyone who sees them that brighter days are ahead.
HOW TO MAKE ENCOURAGEMENT STONES
This week, Wellness Wednesday coincides with Earth Day, and we are encouraging our families to participate in one of the many virtual events to celebrate this special day. Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
Headspace is offering free resources throughout this time of uncertainty. They have created a curated collection on their app (with a smaller library of meditations also available on their website) called Weathering The Storm. It includes meditations as well as sleep and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling. It’s their way of helping you find some space, and kindness, for yourself and those around you during these difficult times.
CLICK HERE FOR HEAD SPACE: WEATHERING THE STORM