Are you looking for some Earth Day children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Earth Day is such an important holiday and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Earth Day books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the importance of Earth Day by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Earth Book by Todd Parr
This eco-friendly book printed entirely with recycled paper explores the importance of protecting and conserving our environment. It is a creative and engaging resource that informs children about what they can do to take care of the Earth and the reason behind of doing so.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: I Love the Earth
- “I Love the Earth” Student Booklet
- Earth Day Story Organizer
- Earth Day Letter & Sound Match
2. Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard
The main character of this book, Trina is genuinely concerned about the way we have been treating Earth. She organizes an Earth Day Club that focuses on everyday habits to conserve earth’s resources. Trina outlines what can be done to make everyday Earth Day!
Literacy Extensions:
- Earth Day Writing Station Words
- I See the Earth” Student Counting Booklet
- Earth Day Paper Plate Earth Person
- Earth Day Roll & Cover Math Game
3. The Earth and I by Frank Asch
This story celebrates a friendship that one child has with the Earth. They play together, listen to each other, and nourish each other. But when the Earth is sad, the child is sad, so he finds a way to make his friend, the Earth, happy.
Literacy Extensions:
- Earth Day Literature List
- Student Booklet: “I See the Earth”
- Earth Day Counting: Recycling Counting Google Slides
- My Earth Day Story: Student Worksheets
4. Earth Day by Clara Cella
We live on an amazing planet. But we must work hard to keep it clean. Let’s celebrate Earth and its future on Earth Day. Kids are passionate about the natural world that they see, hear smell and touch. Their interest in Earth Day and caring for the planet we live on is seen in this wonderful book.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Our Recycling Book”
- Earth Day Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Earth Day Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Earth Day Paper Plate Project
5. Earth Day by Trudi Strain Trueit
An introduction to the traditions, festivities, and history of Earth Day for the youngest readers.
This fact-filled holiday book introduces the youngest readers to Earth Day. There are colorful photos and quite simple with a nonfiction text. The book encourages children to read on their own as they take an in-depth look at the traditions and festivities on Earth Day.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Earth” Student Booklet
- Earth Day Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Earth Day Sight Word Match Game
- Earth Day Number & Ten Frames BOOM
6. Let’s Celebrate Earth Day by Connie & Peter Roop
This informational book is a perfect book to pull out on Earth Day. It teaches students about why we celebrate and ways we can help our earth. The topics the book discusses give students an idea of just how important saving the earth is. It can be used to encourage students to do what they can to help save the earth.
Literacy Extensions:
- Earth Day Word Bank
- Earth Day Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Earth Day Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Earth Day Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Our Big Home by Linda Glaser
Young children usually think of their home as the structure in which they live. In this book the author and illustrator present a much larger vision of home as the planet Earth. This beautiful poem is a wonderful way to gently lead children toward the all-important understanding of caring for our environment.
The author presents the idea that our big home is shared not only with all people but with all plants and animals as well. She shows that we share the air, the water, the soil, and other elements that affect and sustain all of us who live on Earth.
Literacy Extensions:
- “What is Earth Day?” Classroom Book
- Earth Day Story “I Can Help the Earth”
- Earth Day Sight Word Match Game
- Earth Day Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Earth Day, Birthday by Maureen Wright
It’s April 22, and Lion and his friends want to plant trees, recycle bottles, and have fun on Earth Day. But not Monkey. He wants to celebrate his birthday. Can he convince the other animals that it really is his birthday? The humorous artwork and photographs highlight the sunny, friendly world of the animals.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Earth Day Around the World” Classroom Book
- Earth Day Art Project
- Earth Day Letter & Sound Match Game BOOM Cards
- Earth Day Math Dice Games
Grab your Free, Earth Day Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many Earth Day children’s books you can choose from. From Earth Day fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
