Earth Day is just around the corner and there’s nothing better than lessons that teach kids how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. These Earth Day activities are sure to be the hit of the month! From fishy crafts to super hero powers, there’s an idea every child will enjoy!
Earth Day Activities and Lessons
Fishy Craft
Get creative with this craft idea by Ashley, a 1st Grade Teacher, in Canfield, Ohio.
To help students listen and follow directions, I plan a special Earth Day craft: a fish made out of used CDs, glue, string, and scrap paper. For the project, each student needs two CDs; a glue stick; a length of string; two fins, fish lips and a fish tail (all made out of scrap paper).
The CD serves as the body of the fish. As students watch and listen, I demonstrate how to glue one fin on the top of the CD and one to the bottom. Then I show how to glue on the lips to the “front” of the fish and the tail to the “back” of the fish. Then I show how to put glue all over the label side of the CD and put the other CD on top like a sandwich. (Tip: Sometimes we glue string inside the two CDs to make an ornament.) This step-by-step process reinforces listening skills and helps kids follow directions as they reuse items to make something new and decorative.
Imagination to the Rescue
Give students the power to make changes with this idea by Melissa, a 3rd Grade Teacher, from South Amboy, New Jersey.
After exploring the challenges and solutions related to ecology, I have my children create their own superheros who each possess Earth-saving powers.
I invite students to each draw and label a picture of their heroes and write about the evil polluter villains they battle. As part of our Earth Day festivities, we share the stories and illustrations together and then go on to talk about how we can be Earth Superheros in real life.
What are some of your favorite Earth Day activities? Share them with us below!
Tiffany DuBois says
This is an adorable idea, but also so powerful! Im completing my first year and wish I came across this wonderful blog earlier, at least I will be prepared for next year. I am transitioning from fourth ams fifth grade to first, which I am so excited to bring thematic units and this is great example of using something they will connect to, remember and make into a habit in their daily lives. Thank you for a great idea that I will be using for Earth Day or before!