inspire
WET, WET, WET This World Wetland Day on 2 Feb give it up for one of the most biodiverse habitats globally. Healthy wetlands store carbon and slow the flow of water, cleaning it naturally and reducing flood risk downstream. They support an abundance of plant life. These places where water and dry land meet are home to a wide range of species. Find a wetland near you at wwt.org.uk.
Honour Brigid Imbolc or St. Brigid’s Day is on 1 Feb. Vicki Garlock of worldreligions4kids.com says it’s one of her favourite holidays. “By its very nature, it’s interfaith and cross-cultural. You can make a Brigid cross or doll from straw, or use strips of old newspapers or raffia. You could go for a walk to spot signs of spring and tie clooties to the branches of trees that grow near holy wells!”
February
Journal
Seasonal celebrations, activities and ideas
Tell a Story Stories teach us about the world; they allow us to step into someone else’s shoes and they help us relax and escape. This year National Storytelling Week runs from 1-9 Feb, and the theme is Reimagine Your World. Cristin Kelly is a mum of two and founder of artsplorers.com.
She explains that getting started storytelling with your kids needn’t be as daunting as it seems. “I used to teach playwriting to students, and I promise you that every single person has it in them to make up a story. A story only needs four elements – Character, Setting, A Problem and Action! Focus on these four things, and you’re on your way to creating marvellous tales that will delight your little ones. Your story does not have to be the next Hemingway. Your child just wants something meaningful and unique to your family.” Find more ideas and resources,
including a link for kids to join an online storytelling workshop with Joseph Coelho at literacytrust.org.uk.
WHALE WATCH February is the awareness month for these acrobatic creatures. Humpback whales have some of the longest migrations of any mammal - some populations swim 5,000 miles between breeding and feeding grounds. They can live for 80 to 90 years and they sing songs that can be heard up to 20 miles away.
LETS LEARN ABOUT..
Do Good! It's Random Acts of Kindness
Day on 17 February. Here are some simple ways that you can make a difference.
Practice active listening, be a compassionate driver, cook a meal for someone and compliment people (yes, even strangers!) with reckless abandon. Get more ideas at randomactsof kindness.org/kindness-ideas.
Journal Prompt 'What actions can I take for deeper connection with friends and family this month?'
WINGING IT Wetlands and grasslands in the UK are great places to see one of the most breathtaking spectacles of winter - starling murmurations. Watch in wonder as these birds come together in their thousands to perform mesmerising formations in the sky before roosting for the night. Great sites to view them include Leighton Moss (Lancashire), Mersehead in Scotland and Newport Wetlands in Wales. See rspb.org.uk for more info.
THE GREEN PARENT • 11
