PLANET EARTH

Begin the celebration of Earth Week by reading and discussing The Lorax or Lester and Clyde (see Resources and References). What are the consequences of abuse and pollution on our natural resources? What is the value of keeping a clean and healthy Earth? Have students draw and color their bedrooms, placing furniture and decorations as they visualize them. Each student might add a small stuffed animal from home to enhance the scene. After each student has displayed and shared this personal world, have him/her(or others) throw trash on it. How do the
students feel about their “world” being “trashed”? Discuss their reactions as you list them on the board.

Compare this trashing of a personal environment to the littering and pollution seen happening to our Earth. How can this harm our future and what impact does it have on all the living creatures – present and future? Why should people care and what steps can we take to prevent this from happening?

Activities
1. Create a special “Gratitude Journal” to keep a record of all of the things students are grateful for. They can make entries throughout the year, focusing on “saving the Earth” and how to be a good steward to keep our Earth green, clean, healthy, and beautiful. Students can begin with labeled illustrations and by the end of the year advance to expressing their thoughts in complete sentences.


to be continued .............