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Mother Earth is rolling out a bountiful Springtime for us to marvel in. I have gathered resources that celebrate and develop a deeper understanding of our Earth and the importance of caring for it.
You will find book recommendations that I have came across and want to share. Also, included are some supplementary video links, and activity suggestions.
Books
Books
The Curious Garden
The Curious Garden
Peter Brown (author & illustrator)
Reading age: 4 – 8 years
Grades: Preschool – 3
About
This book inspires the reader to re-imagine what a garden is, and that with determination and focus you can make a difference.
The main character Liam lives in a city with out any gardens or trees of any kind. The boy loved to be outside and came across some wildflowers and plants that were dying. He decided these plants needed a gardener. With practice and devotion he begins to grow an unconventional garden in the nooks and crannies of an abandoned railway within his city. His hard work inspires the neighborhood to follow his lead.
The author was inspired by New York City’s old elevated railway known as the Highline.
Activity Idea:
I love the idea of making miniature gardens using up-cycled materials. Encouraging the kids to look at “garbage” in a new way. Creating small landscapes, using small containers, cans, popsicle sticks, twine, and many other treasures their imaginations dream up. With a little potting soil and seeds you can turn your story into a hands on Earth science lesson.
History
Read-Aloud
The Tree Lady
The Tree Lady
H. Joseph Hopkins (author)
Jill McElmurry (illustrator)
Reading age: 5 – 10 years
Grade: Kinder – 5
About
This is a true story based Katherine Olivia Sessions (aka The Mother of Balboa Park), and how she changed the landscape of San Diego at the turn of the 20th Century. At a time where women were not scientists, and San Diego California had a dry desert landscape, Katherine inspired change in her community with her knowledge of botany.
An inspiring nonfiction book that is also great women's history story that deserves to be shared.
Teaching Resource
Read-Aloud
My Friend Earth
My Friend Earth
Patricia MacLachlan (Author)
Francesca Sanna (Illustrator)
Reading age: 3 – 5 years
Grades: Preschool – Kinder
About
This book is a celebration of Earth.
The poetically written text is presented with interactive die cut elements, which complement the captivating imagery on every page. The imagery personifies Earth as a young friendly Goddess that gently tends to nature. A gentle reminder of all the wonders that make up the planet that we call home.
Activity Idea:
I am inspired by this illustrator's work. I think this could be a fun book to do an art study of. Have the child look at the images and notice the rounded shapes, and blocks of color. Then have the child create an art piece inspired by what they have seen. Here are some ideas I have to guide this exploration are:
Colored paper collage — Using solid of textured prints of colored pieces of paper, they can cut rounded and organic shapes out. Then they can layer them to create a landscape. They can the illustrate on top to define trees, animals, etc.
Illustrate — Drawing the rounded shapes that make up the lovely layered landscape. They could start by drawing the friend of Earth, or as I would call the Earth Goddess. Then extend rounded lives and shapes around her. Lastly, they can add the fine details that define the imagery surrounding the scene.
Go For It — Ask them what art supplies they need to create there own My Friend of Earth scene. Kids make wonderful observations and can have very clear amazing ideas about what needs to be included.
Regardless of which type of art project chosen, the key to this being a successful exploration is expanding the dialog, asking questions and inviting them to dive deeper into their exploration of the art.
“What colors do you see?”
“What shapes did the artist use?”
“What type of animals live in that habitat?”
Over and Under the Pond
Over and Under the Pond
Kate Messner (author)
Christopher Silas Neal (illustrator)
Reading age: 5 – 8 years
Grades: 1 – 2
About
This book encourages the exploration of interconnected ecosystems. Expanding the readers vocabulary and their wonderment of what lives beyond the tall branches and below the water.
The back of the book has an animal glossary about the animals within the book.
Author’s Study Guide
Read Aloud
We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands
We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands
Rafael López (adapter & illustrator)
Reading age: 3 – 5 years
Grades: Preschool – Kinder
About
This book takes us on a colorful journey around the world. The imagery of colorful yarn weaving through the pictures on every page represents our connection to each other, the animals, and land we inhabit together. The familiarity of the words offers a comforting tempo to stroll through the lovely pages.
About the Artwork
Read Aloud
I am Earth
I am Earth
Rebecca and James McDonald (Co-Authored & illustrated)
Reading age: 3 – 5 years
Grades: Preschool – Kinder
About
This book is an easy to comprehend introduction to the basics of earth science. The book encourages doing your part to care for the planet, introducing sustainability and some easy to follow suggestions. Empowering kids to be conscience stewards of the Earth.
Read Aloud
Videos
Videos
Wonder Grove Kids - “Recycle!”
Wonder Grove Kids - “Recycle!”
Music Video S2 E18-
This is a short episode with a catchy tune. This episode explains recycling plastic in simple terms.
Sesame Street: Murray Visits a Recycling Center
Sesame Street: Murray Visits a Recycling Center
Murray Had a Little Lamb-
Murray learns about items get sorted at a recycling plant, and how he can sort recyclables at home.
The Old Branch: Caterpillar Shoes
The Old Branch: Caterpillar Shoes
Sweet rhyming bedtime story for kids!
A very cute animation of a caterpillars journey with a caterpillar, as he begins to make his journey toward metamorphosis. You meet other insects that live among the forest floors and plants.
The Kiboomers: Reduce Reuse Recycle Song
The Kiboomers: Reduce Reuse Recycle Song
This song encourages taking care of the environment, and the importance and simplicity of Recycling. The song enforces the terms: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Super Simple Songs: And The Green Grass Grew All Around
Super Simple Songs: And The Green Grass Grew All Around
This fun call and response classic is paired with adorable characters building that are developing the scenery to match the lyrics of the song.
Tree School - Two Little Hands TV: Photosynthesis
Tree School - Two Little Hands TV: Photosynthesis
A unique kid song, sang by kids, about photosynthesis.
The flashy imagery grabs your attention. Photosynthesis is a process where the plants makes their own food with energy from the sun.
Happy Springtime!
Happy Springtime!
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