Earth Day Read Alouds
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated April 11, 2024
Favorite Earth Day Read Alouds for Upper Elementary
Earth Day is more than just a day; it’s a global reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and cherish our planet. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to plant the seeds of environmental stewardship in the minds of our young learners. And what better way to do this than through the power of story? Choosing the right Earth Day read alouds can turn a regular classroom day into an inspiring journey towards making our world a better place.
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Why Earth Day Read Alouds Matter
Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment. It’s a powerful tool for education and inspiration, especially when it comes to topics like conservation and environmentalism. Through the adventures of characters and the narrative of picture books, children can learn about the importance of caring for our planet. It’s our role as teachers to guide these future environmentalists by exposing them to stories that matter.
Top Earth Day Read Alouds
Read on for some of my very favorite Earth Day read alouds for upper elementary!
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
This classic tale combines whimsy with a clear message about the importance of taking care of our environment. Its memorable characters and rhymes make it a favorite among students, sparking conversations about conservation and our impact on the planet.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
The story of Miss Rumphius shows how one person’s efforts can make the world more beautiful. It encourages students to think about how they can contribute to Earth’s well-being in their own unique ways.
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
With its gentle humor and profound messages, Jeffers’ book is a love letter to our planet, perfect for prompting discussions about our place in the world and how we should treat our shared home.
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
Set in the Amazon rainforest, this story offers a vivid portrayal of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving our world’s lungs. It’s a fantastic springboard for discussions about biodiversity and the role of trees in our ecosystem.
A River Ran Wild by Lynne Cherry
Another gem by Lynne Cherry, this book tells the true story of the Nashua River’s pollution and subsequent cleanup. It’s an inspiring tale of environmental recovery and the power of collective action.
One plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Woman of the Gambia by Miranda Paul
This inspiring true story showcases how one woman’s idea to recycle plastic bags transformed her community. It’s a powerful example of how small actions can lead to big environmental changes, perfect for discussions on recycling and innovation.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr
With Todd Parr’s signature colorful illustrations and simple, poignant messages, this book encourages children to take care of the earth in various ways, emphasizing actions kids can take to be eco-friendly. Its accessible approach makes complex concepts like conservation and sustainability understandable for young readers.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel
Based on a true story, this book highlights the issue of clean water scarcity in parts of the world and the journey of a young girl dreaming of bringing clean drinking water to her African village. It’s a touching story that helps students appreciate the value of water and the importance of community efforts in tackling global challenges.
Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson
This biography of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, tells the story of how she planted more than thirty million trees in Kenya. A testament to the power of one person’s efforts to change the world, it’s an inspiring read that encourages students to think about how they can make a difference.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William KamKwamba and Bryan Mealer
This incredible true story of a young boy from Malawi who builds a windmill to save his village from drought is a testament to the power of ingenuity and determination. It provides a fantastic opportunity to discuss renewable energy, perseverance, and the impact of climate change on communities around the world.
For more great read alouds, check out our holiday favorites, Halloween favorites, and picture books for encouraging a growth mindset!
How can I engage my students with Earth Day read alouds?
To make your Earth Day read alouds truly impactful, consider the following tips:
- Before Reading: Activate prior knowledge by discussing what students already know about Earth Day and why it’s celebrated. Ask them to make predictions about the book based on its title and cover.
- During Reading: Encourage students to think critically about the story. Pause to ask predictive questions, and discuss the characters’ decisions and their consequences.
- After Reading: Extend the conversation beyond the book. Engage students in activities that relate to the story, such as starting a classroom recycling program or creating posters to spread awareness about conservation efforts.
For more engagement tips, check out our top tips for boosting classroom engagement!
Wrapping up Earth Day with a Bang
End your Earth Day celebration on a high note by encouraging students to embark on a project that benefits the planet. Whether it’s a school garden, a recycling challenge, or a letter-writing campaign to local representatives about environmental issues, the stories you’ve shared can serve as a powerful motivator for action.
Selecting the right Earth Day read alouds for your classroom can transform how your students see the world and their role in it. These stories are not just for Earth Day; they’re a stepping stone towards building a more conscious, caring generation of environmental stewards. Let’s make every day Earth Day in our classrooms.
For more Earth Day teaching ideas, check out our Earth Day math activities and meaningful Earth Day activities for upper elementary!
Looking for some free resources to practice reading comprehension?
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Interested in reading more about reading strategies?
Check out some of my previous posts below.
Building Reading Comprehension Strategies
Visualization Strategies for Reading Comprehension
Text Mapping to aid Reading Comprehension
Questioning Strategies for Reading Comprehension
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