The Goddard School Launches Annual "Root for Earth" Campaign Nationwide to Foster Environmental Stewardship in Young Children

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, April 23, 2014 (Press-News.org) The Goddard School , the premier preschool focusing on learning through play for children from six weeks to six years old, announces Root for Earth, an annual campaign that serves to plant seeds of change in The Goddard School children, their families and their communities to create a healthier, happier earth for generations to come. Now in its 4th year, this green celebration focuses on creating awareness of energy and environmental conservation, and will be taking place across more than 400 Goddard School locations nationwide April 21 through April 25.

Seeking to bring awareness to environmental stewardship, the Root for Earth campaign is centers on a Lights Out! Initiative, taking place on Earth Day (April 22). Each School across the nation will turn off all non-essential lighting for one hour beginning at 10 a.m. local time. Throughout the week, the children will participate in engaging activities to learn about environmental stewardship including the Upcycling Challenge. During this challenge, children and teachers will put their imaginations to the test by utilizing reused and recycled materials to create something entirely new. Photos of the new creations will be shared on The Goddard School National Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/goddardschool) from April 21 until April 25, and the winners will be announced on May 2.

"We believe that building a respectful relationship with nature at a young age creates a foundation for children to grow into environmentally responsible adults," said Dr. Craig Bach, Vice President of Education at Goddard Systems, Inc. "We are proud to continue the Root for Earth tradition at The Goddard School as it allows us to teach children the values of environmental conservation through activities that support collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication."

"Gardens are of immeasurable significance to the development of young children, with almost endless opportunity for learning and very little cost to create," says Dave Snyder, manager of facilities and playgrounds at Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School.

"Children can learn socialization, cooperation, mathematics by measuring growth, science by documenting the growth, creativity and writing skills by creating a story book about the garden," continues Snyder. They develop fine and gross motor skills through use of simple tools and develop responsibility through garden maintenance, including weeding, watering and harvesting activities."

At The Goddard School, environmental responsibility does not begin and end with the Root for Earth campaign. The Goddard School curriculum includes nature and wildlife related activities through exploration of the outdoors and challenging, hands-on activities.

For more information on The Goddard School, please visit http://www.goddardschool.com.

About The Goddard School
Learning for fun. Learning for life., The Goddard School celebrates 26 years of using the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Talented teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. The Goddard School's AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX. Learning Program reaches more than 45,000 students in over 400 Goddard Schools in 35 states. The Goddard School's comprehensive play-based curriculum, developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit http://www.goddardschool.com.