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As Earth Day approaches, instilling an appreciation for nature in kids early in life is key to raising good citizens. Participating in Earth Day activities for kids not only educates them about the importance of caring for Earth’s resources, but it also fosters a deeper connection with the natural world and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Earth Day serves as an important reminder of our duties as citizens of our local and global communities. It underscores the notion that caring for our planet is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective one. By taking action to protect and preserve the environment, kids learn the significance of contributing positively to their communities and the world at large and leaving places better than they found them.
“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”
U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson
U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, one of the founders of Earth Day in the United States said, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.” This quote underscores the importance of not just teaching our students about Earth Day but showing them ways to participate in it.
3 Earth Day Activities for Kids
#1: Nature Walks
Taking a nature walk is the perfect way to instill a love of nature in students. Not only is this activity free and requires very little prep time, nature walks also give students an immersive learning experience. They can observe and interact with the natural world firsthand. This hands-on approach is exciting for students who are developing a deeper appreciation for the environment. Additionally, spending time outdoors during nature walks encourages physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Students can observe the flora and fauna in their hometown. They get to think about ways to enjoy the outdoors in their free time.
On Earth Day, consider taking a nature walk. Our Earth Day Activities include two Nature Walk Scavenger Hunts that you can take with students. Students have the chance to look for common items found in nature, like animal tracks and plants. These exciting scavenger hunts will help your students begin to recognize the nature that exists around them.
#2: Earth Day Poetry
One way to develop a love of nature is to enjoy the centuries of literature that has been written about it. Take your students outside on Earth Day and enjoy selected works about nature. Some of my favorite authors and poets who wrote about nature are Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, and Marian Douglas.
In these Earth Day Activities, I selected two poems that a student in third, fourth, or fifth grade could enjoy, although these poems can certainly be enjoyed by all. You will explore The Song of the Bee by Marian Douglas, which is a delightful poem about bees – perfect for Earth Day. You will also explore Nature is what we see by Emily Dickinson. Our worksheets guide students through these poems and help them seek out important parts of the poem, like the tone and meaning. Be sure to take students outdoors to enjoy this special activity.
#3: Earth Day Writing Crafts
If you find your students are resistant to writing, try taking them outdoors to write about nature. One of my core memories in school was when my teacher would take us outside to journal.
Writing in nature can feel easier because the environment is conducive to creativity and focus. The serene surroundings are free from distractions in your classroom like screens and noise. Being in nature allows you to tap into your imagination more readily. It also reduces stress levels, which can help with writer’s block.
On Earth Day, consider taking your students outside to write. Our Earth Day Activities include four writing crafts, where students can respond to quotes about nature. There is also a blank writing craft for you to add your own quote or prompt, or have students write freely about any topic. Writing crafts are perfect for young writers because they can move between writing and drawing, which helps with the creative process. Your students will enjoy writing in a more relaxed environment, while reflecting on their relationship with nature and Earth Day Activities.
As you celebrate Earth Day and beyond, consider these powerful Earth Day activities for kids that allow them to foster an appreciation for nature and the environment. The power of nature walks, nature poetry, and nature writing are transformative tools for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. This Earth Day, inspire your students to cherish and protect our planet by taking them outside.
Earth Day Activities with Writing Craft & Earth Day Poems
Celebrate Earth Day with Earth Day Activities, writing crafts, and scavenger hunts! Perfect for developing an appreciation of nature and a respect for planet Earth!
With these Earth Day activities, students will reflect on quotes about Earth Day, analyze poems, and complete scavenger hunts that challenge them to be better stewards of the environment.
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