Teacher Idea Factory

Teacher Idea Factory

EARTH DAY ACTIVIES FOR PRIMARY

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Earth Day is always such a fun theme in the classroom.  Not only is it important to teach our youngsters how to be kind to the Earth, but it also is super engaging. Here are a handful of fun Earth Day activities and ideas that target standards while still delighting students.

WRITING ACTIVITIES

The writing that can be generated around Earth Day is so on point.  The kids really get into the process and the cause behind it all.  Here are just a few of Earth Day activities that have worked well for me in both whole group and center settings.

Incorporating photos takes writing to a whole new level.  Case in point . . . (see photo below). The kids always dig that they are an important piece of this write.  Engagement and work quality go through the roof. Not only is this simple idea wonderful for Earth Day, but it looks absolutely delightful in the windows.
A little get-well card for Mother Earth is always a winner in the writing department on April 22nd too.  It’s a great way to introduce or practice friendly letter writing (a standard no less), while still sneaking in some engaging writing practice.  Talk about a win-win!
*Both of these writing activities are included in my Earth Day packet.

MATH ACTIVITIES

Word problems are always a big focus this time of year as all of the complex addition and subtraction standards have been taught.  You can really up the game come spring.  With this said, why not theme your word problems around being Earth conscious?  This themed story problem mini-book does just that . . . and it’s a freebie!  Talk about a stellar Earth Day activity 🙂
A higher-level partner place value game seems in order as well.  Have you heard of the game TRASH IT?  Well, I took the liberty of changing the rules a bit and giving it a little Earth Day flavor.  What does this get you?  RECYCLE IT, of course!  This one is a classroom favorite year after year.  And, wouldn’t you know . . . it’s a FREEBIE too. Be sure to take a moment and heck out this differentiated Earth Day place value game for primary.

RANDOM CROWD-PLEASING IDEAS

Why not walk your talk during Earth Day activities and print only on recycled or “gently used” paper?  Most copy rooms have a bin where boogered up copy jobs go to rot.  Grab these sheets, slam them in the copier, and use the blank sides to produce paper-pencil work for the week.  The kids always get a HUGE kick out of crossing out the “boogered” side.
Earth Day snacks are always fun.  The Earth cupcake with the heart that is all over Pinterest is the cutest thing ever, but I don’t bake.  I just so happened to stumble across this AMAZING IDEA this year.  Earth Day Snack Cups from Simple As That Blog.  The kids can go GREEN in the snack department.

Earth Day is a wonderful occasion to really do up right in the classroom. Over the years, I started to theme as much as possible during the week surrounding this feel-good day.  If you are looking to do the same, I packed all of my STANDARDS-BASED reading and writing activities into a fun Earth Day packet.  We’re talkin’ a parts of speech, fact/opinion, cause and effect work, friendly letter writing, compare/contrast, and so much more.  Why not get the most out of your themed studies, right??

Alright my friends.  I am out of here.  I hope you picked up a few new Earth Day activity ideas to use with your students this year.  Thanks so much for taking the time to pop in for a visit.

Comments

  1. Mrs. Sheehan says

    That is one seriously cute craftivity! I love incorporating photos with writing activities. They get so excited about it and it makes for awesome displays!
    I've got to check out your store:)
    New follower too!
    Mrs. Sheehan

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