Not sure how to celebrate Earth Day, but committed to National Days this year? 

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to help students under the impact of their everyday actions through elementary classroom fun.

Instead of focusing on the “big” environmental issues that they will learn about later in life, I use picture books.

The use of picture books sparks curiosity about the natural world and empowers students to ask questions. 

Picture Books to Read on Earth Day

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown: This story shows how one child’s care for a struggling patch of flowers can transform an entire gray, industrial city. (It is so beautiful)

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom: A powerful, lyrical book that honors the importance of protecting our water sources and standing up for the Earth. (an award winner too)

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter: A moving true story about Wangari Maathai, who started a movement to replant the forests of Kenya, proving that every action makes a difference.

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle: A simple story about the life cycle of a plant + an SEL lesson on perseverance.

Maybe you are the teacher that loves to read aloud in the morning AND wants to keep this party going! Here are a few ideas to celebrate Earth Day throughout your day. 

First, you have to wear flowery clothes to celebrate this beautiful day. I mean you do not have to, but it’s more fun. 

Each Earth Day my students and I read The Big Beach Clean Up. Then we discuss about Ocean Pollution. Next, we discuss specific challenges that occur when a human dumps trash into our big blue bathtub. To help students practice their reading skills while engaging with this topic, I’ve developed an Ocean Pollution comprehension passage. It’s designed for students to think critically about the human impact on our oceans. It is also designed to engage kids to love learning. 

A BIG FYI: If you are a member of The Comprehension Vault, you can find this passage and activity ready for your classroom right now!

4 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Your Classroom

Ready to get your students up and moving around the classroom on Earth Day?  Here are 5 simple, impactful activities to celebrate:

1. “Trash-to-Treasure” Art Gallery: Challenge students to bring in clean recyclables and create a sculpture or a new “invention.” It’s a great way to talk about reducing waste.

2. Nature Observation Walk: Take a walk around the school grounds with clipboards. Ask students to document one living thing they see and one thing they think could be improved to make the area more “Earth-friendly.”

3. Adopt-a-Spot: Have the class choose one small area of the playground or classroom to “adopt” and keep clean for the remainder of the school year.

4. Canva “Earth Pledge”: Have each student create a slide on a Canva slideshow to present at Open House. Each student comes up with one specific, small action they promise to take to help the Earth. Then they will make a digital representation on Canva. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day in your classroom this year?

Pin this blog post for later when you are planning your April activities.

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