In today’s world, teaching children about environmental consciousness is more important than ever. Through storytelling, teachers and parents can inspire young minds to care for and protect the planet. At Learn From Play, we’ve curated activities for picture books that make it easy to engage students with environmental themes.
Books like "Our Littlest Inventor," "Frugal Fred," and "We Are Water Protectors," along with “The Inheritance” for older students, help children connect with these important issues through captivating stories.
"Our Little Inventor" by Sher Rill Ng is a tale of creativity and perseverance. The protagonist, a young girl, invents something to help her community deal with pollution. This book showcases the power of innovation and problem-solving when it comes to tackling environmental issues. Accompanied by Learn From Play activities, children can explore the theme of environmental stewardship while imagining their own inventions to help clean up and protect the Earth.
"Frugal Fred" is a story book I wrote and published myself, as I wanted to teach children about the importance of living sustainably through everyday choices. From recycling bottles to save money, to using water wisely in the garden, Fred’s actions demonstrate how small changes can have a big impact on the environment around us. The activities designed around this book encourage children to take Fred’s lessons into their own lives, making sustainability a tangible and achievable goal.
"We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom, inspired by Indigenous-led movements, helps children understand the vital role of water in our ecosystem. The beautifully illustrated story encourages young readers to appreciate and protect water as a precious resource. Paired with Learn From Play activities, this book helps children explore ways to safeguard water in their own communities.
For students interested in ocean conservation, "Nelson’s Dangerous Dive" by Ellie Jackson tells the story of a whale’s encounter with fishing debris left in the ocean, highlighting the dangers of pollution in marine habitats. With Learn From Play’s activities, students can explore how pollution affects marine ecosystems and discover ways to help draw attention to this issue.
"Flipper and Finnegan" by Sophie Cunningham follows the true story of two fairy penguins who were rescued from an oil spill in Australia. The book beautifully illustrates the efforts to protect and rehabilitate these endangered animals, offering a compelling narrative about conservation and kindness. Our activities for this book allow children to engage with the themes of animal rescue and environmental responsibility, helping them understand the role they can play in caring for wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
Rana DiOrio’s "What Does It Mean to Be Green?" is a perfect introduction to eco-friendly practices for young children. The book breaks down the concept of “being green” into simple, relatable ideas, making it easy for kids to understand how their actions affect the planet. The accompanying activities from Learn From Play are designed to help students think critically about the steps they can take to reduce waste, recycle, and live more sustainably.
Nick Bland’s "Walk of the Whales" is a unique and thought-provoking story where whales decide to walk out of the ocean to protest how humans are treating their environment. This powerful narrative makes children question the impact humans have on nature and opens the door for deep discussions about our responsibility to the planet. Activities for this book encourage students to reflect on environmental advocacy and their role in making a difference.
For older students, "The Inheritance" by Armin Greder provides a sobering look at environmental destruction. This stark, visually arresting book shows the consequences of ignoring environmental issues and asks readers to think critically about the future of our planet. While more suitable for older readers, the Learn From Play activities help facilitate discussions on environmental ethics, sustainable living, and the responsibilities that come with inheritance, both literal and metaphorical.
Bringing Environmental Lessons to the Classroom
Incorporating environmental themes into literacy lessons is a powerful way to engage students in real-world issues. Books can offer unique perspectives on how we can all play a part in protecting the environment.
With Learn From Play’s resources, the lessons from these books can be extended, and environmental education can be an exciting and interactive experience. From creative projects and discussions to hands-on activities, you can inspire your students to become environmentally conscious citizens who understand their role in creating a sustainable future.
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