Earth Day is quickly approaching and we have been busy talking about the Earth.
We started talking about the Earth during our unit on Outer Space. My son was fascinated with all the different planets and we learned a lot about the differences and similarities.
Next, we looked closer at the Earth and the different continents and parts of our world that make this such a diverse and interesting place to live. We spent a lot of time staring at maps and plotting routes to different places.
Now we have been focusing closer on our little corner of the Earth and what we can do to make it a cleaner (big concern when you live in New York City) and better place.
E is for the Earth Story Time
Note: Our story times always have the same parts; We start with a hello song. Next, I read 2-3 books about a topic with a rhyme/song and group activity that works on a developmental goal in between each book. We end with a goodbye song and then head to the table. At the table there is an invitation of some sort that works on another one of the developmental skills they are building. These elements are all listed below so you can move them around into whatever order works for you!
affiliate links are included below. thank you for your support!
Hello song.
Hi, Hello and How Are You (Watch on YouTube) with Let’s All Clap (Watch on YouTube) from Jbrary
Books about the Earth
This is the Planet Where I Live
by K. L. Going and Debra Frasier
This gorgeous new release is all about how interconnected everything is on our planet. It is written in a cumulative style that I think works great for reading aloud. As the text is repeated kids have fun reading along with the parts they remember. The illustrations are bright, colorful collages. Together they work great as a read aloud for storytime but also offer so many possibilities for art, poetry, and science extensions.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr
This book is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It has Parr’s trademark simple text and bold illustrations. I love how it empowers little kids to help protect our planet. It shows little ways that even the youngest kids can think about our planet.
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
Jeffers never fails to present a unique perspective on the world. In this book the forest is disappearing tree by tree and the animals want to know why. They follow the clues to a bear trying to master paper airplanes. This book is good for a laugh and wonderful message to think about.
Gabby and Grandma Go Green by Monica Wellington
Gabby and Grandma demonstrate simple ways to help our planet as you follow them through this sweet story. Together they visit a farmers’ market, make their own bags, and recycle their bottles. I love the darling illustrations and wonderful message.
Songs about E and the Earth
We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands – I love this version from Daria Music.
Letter E Song – My kids love these Letter songs from ABCmouse.com
Goodbye song.
The Goodbye Train is Leaving. (Watch on YouTube) from Jbrary
5 E is for Earth Pre-Literacy Invitations
There are a lot of things you can focus on with Earth, but since we’re working on the Letter E today I decided to share some fun Earth Themed literacy activities.
1. Earth Day Alphabet Puzzle from Natural Beach Living
2. Trace the Letter E with these Dry Erase Letters. You could also put out all the letters to spell EARTH.
3. Alphabet Earth Day Pick Up from Mrs. Jones Creation Station
4. Build the Letter E or the word EARTH with these Learning Resource letters on your Light Table or Light Panel.
Bonus: Go on an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt. Pre-literacy and adventure in one! Get a FREE printable scavenger hunt from KC Edventures.
