Earth Day is one of those school days that can come and go without much fanfare. State testing is often in full swing, and the schedule is jam-packed with only a month or so left of instruction. Earth Day is important, though, and students are always eager to learn more about the environment and take part in outside activities whenever they can.
Earth Day Reader's Theater Script for Middle School
Your students will love learning about the history of Earth Day with this reader's theater…
This Earth Day Reader's Theater includes:
• 6-page, 12-character script
• Context clue word work
• Reader Response Questions
• Journal Prompt for Reflection Writing
• Reader response questions and journal prompts
• Answer Key
If you haven't tried reader's theater in your classroom, it is a great addition to your ELA teacher toolbox.
Earth Day Journal Writing Prompt
The Prompt: “If the Earth Could Talk”
Imagine the Earth is a character in a story. What would it say to you on Earth Day? What problems would it share? What would it ask you to do? Write from the Earth's perspective.
I like this prompt because it ties into character analysis, which is something we work on all year in ELA. Your students have to think about perspective, voice, and how to express feelings through a character. Plus, it's personal. They're connecting with the Earth on an emotional level, not just learning facts about pollution or recycling.
5-Minute Warm-Up: Write the prompt on the board. Give students 3-5 minutes to write freely. No worrying about grammar or length. Just get their ideas down.
10-Minute Discussion: Ask volunteers to share what the Earth said to them. You'll be amazed at what kids come up with. Some will be funny. Some will be serious and heartfelt. All of it shows they're thinking deeply about the environment.
This activity works for grades 4-6 and takes about 10-15 minutes total. No prep needed. Just a prompt and a few minutes of class time.
Earth Day Craft Activity: Hungry Bird Feeders
Most administrators will allow students a few extra minutes of extra recess and outdoor activity time during the spring. If you have this type of flexibility, I have a great Earth Day activity to get your students out of the building…Hungry Bird Bird Feeders, an idea I pinned from Elementary Nest.
Grab these materials and follow these simple steps to create them with your environmentally friendly students. Note that I did buy the expensive non-peanut spread in order to make sure that all students can participate and no one needs to stress about peanuts. It is called Wowbutter and is non-GMO and soy-based. PERFECT!
I found everything at Kroger except the twine, which was a Target Dollar Spot after Easter find.
Each student needs a plate, plastic knife, bird seed, cone, spread, and twine. You can always prep the cones with the twine beforehand, but I love giving my students the opportunity to complete the entire task at hand. The images here are from a recreation I did with my daughter.
The cost of this project for an entire class is about $25. You may find items that are less expensive at other places, but I grabbed these materials while I was grocery shopping. Multitasking at its finest! I also believe it is money well-spent to get students ENGAGED and OUTSIDE.
Earth Day Trash Walk Activity
And after your students have created bird feeders and journaled about what the Earth would say to them, taking a trash walk around the school grounds is an essential final step. Have students collect litter and help keep the environment clean. It's a hands-on way to connect what they've learned in the journal activity to real environmental action.
I hope your students enjoy these activities as much as mine. Take care of the Earth and Happy Earth Day!
