Celebrating Earth Day with kids is a wonderful way to teach them the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation. By participating in fun and engaging activities, such as gardening, recycling, and nature walks, children can learn to appreciate and respect the natural world around them. They can also develop a sense of responsibility for taking care of the planet and making a positive impact in their own communities.
Earth Day is a day to celebrate planet Earth. The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated in events to support environmental protection. Cities and schools planned educational presentations, recycling events, and cleanups at their local parks, beaches, and other outdoor areas. Today, over 141 nations around the world celebrate Earth Day.
Here are 5 quick and creative ways to celebrate Earth Day in the classroom:
1. Go on an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt!
Enjoy Earth Day by going on an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt! Have students grab a clipboard and the Earth Day Scavenger Hunt that's part of my FREE Earth Day Activity Pack. Instruct them to be on the lookout for all that Planet Earth has to offer. Use their senses by asking the following questions:
- What do they see? Do they see any creepy crawly insects, birds gliding overhead, new buds or leaves on trees, a clear blue sky, or gray rain clouds? Have students draw or sketch and color their findings in the boxes on their sheet.
- What do they smell? Have students focus on smelling. Can they smell any sweet fragrant flowers, fresh cut grass, or someone grilling in the distance?
- What do they feel? Have students close their eyes and touch the ground. Can they feel the soft grass, or the rough rock, bark on a twig, the warmth of the sun, or even a light breeze?
- What do they hear? Listen closely. Do they hear a bird chirping, other children playing outside, zipping cars in the distance, a school bell, or plants swaying in the breeze?
- What do they taste? This one will have to wait for a later Earth Day Snack!
The other purpose of this Scavenger Hunt is for students pick up any litter or trash they find on our mini field trip. Remember to bring a couple of trash bags.
2. Learn About Ways We Can Save the Earth!
In our Earth Day Activity Pack there are three high-interest kid-friendly informational articles and activities to teach about:
*What is Earth Day?
*Ways to Save Our Earth
*The Natural Cycles of the Earth
3. Plant a Flower Sponge
Have students bring in one small new clean sponge from home. Purchase some flower seeds. Have students wet the sponge so that it's really damp. Next, they plant their seeds inside the sponge. Have them push the seeds down into the sponge just enough so the seeds won't’ fall off when the sponge is picked up. Place the sponges on a Styrofoam plate that has each student’s name written in permanent marker. Place the plates in a sunny window. Have students water their sponges each day. *Don’t let the sponge dry out completely. Place a clear plastic container over sponges at night to keep it moist.
4. Spring Clean the Classroom
Earth Day is also about cleaning up our Earth. So why not have the students do some spring cleaning? Buy some Green Wise disinfectant wipes or make your own solution with Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, and water in a pail. Dip in a paper towel and it’s ready to go. Have students clean bookshelves, cupboards, supply bins, sinks, counters, and door handles. It’s also a perfect time to clean their desks and cubbies inside and out.
5. Explore our Earth Day Doodle Coloring Pages
Students will love these Earth Day Doodle Coloring Pages. This pack comes with 12 coloring pages and 4 pages have poems that can be used for National Poetry Month. Coloring activities provide students with time to relax and express themselves creatively.
Whether it's planting a tree, spring cleaning, or simply spending time in nature, there are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and inspire kids to become lifelong advocates for the environment. By taking small steps towards sustainability and showing children how to make a difference, we can create a brighter future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.