As Earth Day approaches, I thought I’d share some exciting and educational activities that I plan use to celebrate this day with my students. The BEST part is that they are all PRINT AND GO! We are all so busy this time of year that I was so thrilled to open up my “April” binder and pull out these activities and add them to the copy bin!
I am an outdoors person and I spend a LOT of time talking about my gardens and I used my love of gardening and hiking in a lot of my math problems and reading examples! It’s crucial to instill a sense of environmental LOVE in our students, and what better way to do it than through engaging and hands-on activities?
First up, let’s talk math with an Earth Day Areas of Rectangles 3D craft. This activity not only reinforces students’ understanding of calculating the areas of rectangles and irregular shapes, but it also allows them to get creative by crafting and coloring a 3D craft. It’s a win-win situation where learning meets fun!
Next on the agenda is an Earth Day Addition and Subtraction Wrap Craft. With nine different versions tailored to meet the needs of each student, this activity ensures that everyone gets a chance to practice their math skills while creating something fun to commemorate Earth Day. As a bonus, my students often ask if they can take more than one to do, or take some home so that they can make all the cute characters.
For morning work and fast finishers, I will be copying parts of one of my math bundles. This Earth Day Math Bundle includes a variety of activities covering computation, problem-solving, place value, time, and more. I love to stand at the copiers and make up a few quick packets so that I can target “weaker” areas for students…a quick easy way to differentiate.
As far as literacy, I plan to use a few picture books to share my love of the Earth. A new one I plan to try this year is called Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery. I read it with my own kids and they both loved it. It a true story about a garden in New York City that was grown in an abandoned lot. It grows to help feed an entire neighborhood. It is such a good message and I am sure your students will LOVE it!
Another picture book I plan to use is The Curious Garden By Peter Brown. This book is about a boy name Liam who discovers a struggling garden and takes care of it. Over time, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a beautiful space.
In addition to using these texts for comprehension activities, I also plan on using this Earth Day Reading and Writing Activities. I have used it for the past few years and love to be able to print and go! Students can read about Earth Day, brainstorm ways to help the planet, and practice important skills like cause and effect! Students also get practice writing as well. It’s a perfect blend of learning and creativity!
Last but not least, I plan to copy some Multiplication Color By Code pages. These are FANTASTIC for fast finishers, morning work, or to be used as a center. They are designed to support students at different levels, this activity offers two levels for each picture, ensuring that everyone can participate and feel accomplished. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of coloring fun?
So there you have it! With these exciting activities, I hope to make Earth Day not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable for my students. I love to inspire these kids by using a passion of my own…Happy Earth Day! 🌎✨
~Heather
