On April 22nd, we will celebrate Earth Day!
As teachers to such young students, it’s our responsibility to instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in our students, and Earth Day is the perfect occasion to reflect on our relationship with the planet we call home.
If you’re looking for Earth Day activities for kids, you’re in the right place!
Here are some simple things you can teach your students to do to care for our planet.
- Turn off lights and electronics when leaving a room to save energy.
- Use reusable water bottles and lunch containers instead of disposable ones.
- Plant a tree, garden, or help maintain a community garden.
- Participate in neighborhood cleanups to remove litter from streets and parks.
- Use both sides of the paper when drawing or coloring to save paper.
- Use public transportation, bike, or walk instead of driving a car when possible.
- Compost food waste instead of throwing it away.
- Use natural light instead of turning on the lights during the day.
- Make crafts from recycled materials such as old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and plastic bottles.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands to save water.
These activities are not only good for the planet, but they can also help your elementary students develop a sense of responsibility and care for their environment.
For even more Earth Day activities for kids, I created this virtual field trip to a Recycling Center!
You’ll be every student’s favorite teacher with this activity! Virtual Field trips are a great way to engage students in learning. Use these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts, learn about Earth Day, recycling, what to bring on a trip and so much more!
What is in this download?
28 Google Slides with Titles, Edit Text Boxes, Directions, and Movable Parts
- KWL Chart
- Packing A Suitcase for the Trip
- 1 Minute Take OFF Flight Video
- 7-minute Field Trip Video (Earth Day, Car Ride to different Recycling Centers, Train Ride)
- Sequencing Events, 2 Writing Prompts, Counting Objects (under 10), Labeling Parts, Recycling Song, and Comprehension Questions
- One extra slide for you to add anything you would like to the lesson. (videos or an assignment)
- Home Connection Optional Assignment for students to build something with recycled materials.
- Black and white ink-saving Writing Pages and Home Connection Page for in-person teaching.
This resource is great for virtual or in-person teaching!
What are your favorite ways to celebrate Earth Day in your elementary classroom? Let me know in the comments!