As the school year winds down and summer break draws near, students (and teachers) are eagerly anticipating long, sun-filled days of freedom. It’s also the perfect opportunity to build eco-friendly habits that show your students how summer fun and energy efficiency can go hand-in-hand!  

Before the final bell rings, why not send your students off with a toolkit for energy-saving entertainment? These simple and enjoyable activities will keep students engaged, help them unplug, and encourage energy-efficient choices throughout the summer months. 

ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY ALL SUMMER LONG 

Encourage students to step away from screens and into the sunshine with outdoor activities that don’t require consuming energy. The best part? They’re low cost, fun, and kind to the planet. 

Activity 1: DIY no-cook picnics 

Challenge your students to create their own no-cook picnic menus! Simple snack ideas like veggie sticks and hummus, fruit kabobs, cheese and crackers, or sandwiches don’t require an oven or stove. Remind them (and their families) that giving their kitchen appliances a break not only saves energy, but also helps keep homes cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. 

Activity 2: Backyard adventures and nature hikes 

Nature offers a rich, screen-free playground. From exploring a local trail to turning their backyard into a nature scavenger hunt, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy time outdoors. These unplugged adventures let students observe wildlife, use their imaginations, and learn from their environment! 

 

MAKE SAVING ENERGY A GAME 

Turning energy efficiency into a challenge makes it more exciting, especially when kids can track their progress and see their impact. 

Challenge 1: No power hour 

Introduce your students to the idea of a daily or weekly “no power hour.” During this time, all electronics are off-limits. Instead, they can dive into crafts, build blanket forts, read, or play outdoor games. This fun break from screens helps lower energy use and sparks creativity. 

Challenge 2: Track your savings 

Encourage students to keep a simple energy-saving log over the summer. They can tally every time they turn off a light, hang laundry to dry, or unplug a charger. Consider turning it into a friendly family competition! When kids see their impact building up day by day, it reinforces that their small actions truly matter. 

GET STARTED WITH A FEW EASY STEPS  

When students learn to take simple, energy-saving steps in their daily lives, the results ripple outward. Teachers play a vital role in inspiring these sustainable behaviours. By giving your students the tools, encouragement, and inspiration to make energy-efficient choices, you’re helping them become lifelong advocates for the planet. 

Here are a few quick ways to make a big difference before break:

• Share a handout or list of energy-saving summer activities with your students. 

• Start a class discussion! Reflect together on what actions they’ve been taking at school, like turning off lights or unplugging devices, and brainstorm how they could do similar things at home. 

• Consider using Generation E’s Classroom Checklist as a starting point. Let your class create a home version they can personalize with their own summer goals and feel empowered to apply what they’ve learned at school at home.
   

Let’s inspire a summer full of fun, learning, and a lighter environmental footprint! Share these energy-saving ideas with your students and help them stay cool, creative, and eco-conscious.