Empowering the Next Generation: Third Graders Crowned Earth Heroes by Kids for Positive Change

Earth Heroes are in our midst! 

Third graders attended an intimate, interactive assembly in the Washington Irving library this week at which they were crowned ‘Earth Heroes,’ a person who is kind to the earth and lives sustainably, so resources are here for our ancestors. The assembly was led by Kids for Positive Change, an organization founded by Camille Licate, that is dedicated to empowering kids to take positive action for animals, people and the planet.  

Camille started her discussion by asking students to "raise your hand if you love animals and plants?" As you’d expect, hands shot up across the room. From there, students were sponges soaking up the presentation that included a mix of engaging interactive discussion and guided movement. 

Students learned that land and water animals need protection because they balance our ecosystem, which helps create a healthy environment for humans. Keeping animals in sync with their surroundings keeps the earth balanced! Camille showed the students the Earth Hero stance and then had the kids lift one foot to show them how easy it is to be out of balance. 

She went on to explain the importance of protecting the animals’ habitats and that we can do this by not cutting down trees so birds have homes, ground animals can thrive, and not polluting oceans and rivers. Positive actions like using eco-friendly products like reusable straws, re-fillable water bottles, and reusable shopping bags are great ways to protect our waters from waste and water life from harm. 

Learning fun tidbits, such as elephants planting seeds when walking but are nearly silent because of their soft foot pads, led to a competition to see which group could be the quietest while walking like an elephant. "We were silent elephant Earth Heroes," said Earth Hero Maya. Adding, "And we got paper made from elephant poop!' 

Hands-on learning in small groups drove the lessons home as the students inspected shark teeth, feathers, and biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and toilet paper.  

Camille shared a lot of information, but kids were enthralled and inspired to know they could make an impact even as third graders. Students, accompanied by a parent, can participate in a beach or park clean-up or walk or ride a bike instead of driving. They were also empowered to discover that while they can't drive an electric car, they can reduce air pollution by conserving energy. Earth Hero Thomas said, 'We learned a lot!' while his classmate Sofia shared something she learned: “Just turn out the lights!' 

"It's not hard. We can do it," Earth Hero Oliver said. Kids for Positive Change Earth-friendly messages resonated with the third graders that small positive actions can lead to significant change and help us leave the earth a better place for the next generation of Earth Heroes.