Materials
carpet squares (or plastic or fabric placemats)
beanbag toy insects (or large paper insects)
5" by 7" word cards (1 per insect type)
potted plants or artificial plants and flowers
rocks
sticks
Instructions
* Draw a line down the middle of the chart paper. On the left side draw a
happy Earth. On the right side draw a sad-faced Earth.
What to Do
1. Show the children the flowers. Explain that flowers make the Earth pretty. Ask
the children what else they see outside. Some things are pretty, but some
things are messy. Explain that you are going to read about a boy who wanted
to make the Earth pretty.
2. Read The Earth and I by Frank Asch. Ask the children questions about the
book. What did the boy do to help the Earth? Record the children's responses
on the left side of the chart paper. What made the boy sad? Record the
children's responses on the right side of the paper.
3. Discuss pollution and littering. Drop some trash onto the floor. Does that look
pretty or messy? Tell them that littering and pollution make the Earth very sad.
Give each child or pair of children a plastic bag in which to pick up trash. Tell
them you can recycle any cans and bottles.
4. Go into your school yard and pick up litter. Discuss your findings.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* Supervise the children closely as they pick up trash outside. If they see
anything they don't recognize, they should tell you so they don't get hurt.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Return to the chart after the activity. Ask the children if there is anything else
they could add that makes the Earth happy or sad. What can they do at home?
* Do the children understand the meaning of the word "recycle"?
