1-2-3 Come Make Some Earth Day "Craftivities" With Me!

Earth Day is April 22nd.  I feel it's very important to do a little something to make students aware that they too can help take care of the earth.

After studying the importance of taking care of our earth and discussing the fact that even little children can make a difference, I’d give a few directions, and tell my Y5’s that they were going to be part of Mrs. Henderson’s Kids Care Cleanup Crew.

Each child got a pair of non latex gloves (You can buy a pack of 50 at The Dollar Store.) and armed with their own plastic grocery sack to put litter in, we’d hit the playground when no one was using it.  

Because their hands are so little, I also bought a pack of soft ponytail holders and slipped those around their wrists to hold the gloves on.

It’s amazing how much garbage gets caught up against the fence!  My kiddos absolutely LOVED running around picking up all sorts of debris.  This only took about 15-minutes and was certainly worth it.  We’d head to the dumpster and toss our sacks and gloves in.  They felt important, empowered and very happy with their accomplishment.

This "good feeling" and pride in themselves truly helped build their self-esteem.   I made sure that the principal knew what we were doing and he always thanked our class over the P.A. during the announcements the next day.  

Afterwards, we’d wash our hands really well and then settle down to watch a short and educational Earth Day video.  One of my favorites is an awesome 6-minute clip of the paper recycling process at the Staten Island Paper Mill.

For more interesting Earth Day YouTube videos, click on the link for  the Pinterest board:  "Favorite Earth Day Videos on YouTube" .

 The “craftivity" that day was “I can lend a hand.”  Children chose a partner and took turns tracing each other's hand.  

Afterwards, they cut out their print and glued it to a variety of colors of construction paper.  For young children, you could have a room helper do this for you the day before.

Even the boys enjoyed decorating their hand posters with "tatoos" and jewelry. To add a bit more pizzazz,  have students paste on some flat-backed jewels over their "rings" using glue dots.  Some craft stores also sell them with adhesive backs, so they can simply peel and stick.  My girls absolutely loved this little extra.

Older students can complete the "Pitch in" writing prompt and glue that to the back of their poster. Punch a hole in the top and suspend from the ceiling.

My students enjoyed discussing the many different ways little kids can "pitch in" to make a big difference. 

At the end of the day have students color their certificate.  These always prompted parents to ask their child about the cleanup activity, which I also mentioned in our newsletter.

Click on the link to view/download the Lend A Hand Earth Day activity. 

Another Earth Day craft that you can choose, or give students a choice, is the "Helping Hands Dangler".  Like the above poster, students pick a partner to help them trace their hand, or they can do it themselves. 

There are several options for "dangling" these mobiles from the ceiling. I've taken a photo of both samples to help explain this. 

Students can glue all 4 circles together in such a way that they make a 3D sphere (like the earth) or they can glue the circles vertically to a length of yarn.  Both writing prompt options, dangle from the child's hand.

For the latter option, give students 3 of the "I can help" writing prompt circles.  They write 3 ways they can lend a helping hand and then glue them back-to-back on to the other circles.  Punch a hole at the top and suspend from the ceiling.  Click on the link to view/download the Helping Hands Dangler. 

Thanks for visiting today.  To see more Earth Day FREEBIES, click on the link to pop over to that section of my site.  I also have more free ideas, activities, and crafts on a Pinterest board devoted to Earth Day goodies.

Gotta run...my poodle pup Chloe, was just diagnosed with Addison's disease last week, so we're off to the vet this morning.  Breaks my heart to see her so sick. :-( But... the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and spring is FINALLY in the air!  Wishing you a keen-green day.

 “Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” —John Muir