Earth Day: Sharing The Planet

The first time I heard this quote I immediately wrote it down. I am the type of person that can get easily overwhelmed.  These words really help me put things into perspective.  There is much to be done, but each of us can do our part and it will help!

One important message to share with students is that their actions and choices today help shape the future. One way to help students start thinking about their choices is to get them doing something that will lead to a change or make an impact.

Having students choose and action that they can do, repeat, observe and reflect upon is one way to get them thinking more about how they can help shape the future.


Step One: Share this fantastic Kid President video with your class.



Step Two: As a class brainstorm ideas for things  they can do in to make a change. Have students choose an action they can do themselves for a week that they think will help impact the future.  Ask them to think about what could be challenging about their choice.  Have them write about what change they think their action might make in shaping the future.

Step Three: Have students keep a log of each time they take action.  Have them record the date, the time, the place and most importantly have them observe the impact.

Step Four: Have them document with pictures or drawings.  If you have a class Instagram or Twitter this could be a great activity to share.  #sharingtheplanet #makingachange #shapingthefuture #kidpresident

Step Five: Time to reflect. You can pose questions like:

• How did it feel to take action?
• What effect did your action have?
• Did your action help shape the future?
• What will you do now?

If your are interested I've got several resources to compliment your Earth Day discussions.

If you are not familiar with the book What If Everybody Did That? check out this blog post. This simple book really helps drive home the point that actions have consequences and it's great for teaching cause and effect too!

Additionally, check out my Earth Day: Student Action Plan designed to go with each of the 5 steps outlined above. It also includes a rubric for assessment of the activity.

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Finally, if you are looking for some fun and creative ideas to help celebrate Earth Day or to just reinforce the importance of taking care of our planet be sure to check out my Pinterest board.

Follow Mom2punkerdoo's board Earth Day: Sharing the Planet on Pinterest.

Be sure to stop by Comprehension Connection for Thematic Thursday Celebrates Earth Day for more great resources and ideas!