In Spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day and 20 million Americans demonstrated in different U.S. cities! We now celebrate Earth Day on April 22 every year. It’s always fun to do crafts with kids but it’s also nice to give a positive lesson to go along with it.
Here are some ideas to make Earth Day fun with some cheap/freebies to do with the kids!
1. Take a pledge with paint and scissors:
This is a super cute idea that helps put the why/what together for the first grade age. I really like the hand paint hand print idea, anything that personalizes it turns a fun craft into a treasured keepsake.
2. Going Green, Free Printable Activities:
If you’d like some mess-free crafts, you can go HERE to print out word searches, recycling charts, and Mother Earth letterhead. If you’re pressed for time this maybe a good way to get into the Earth Day action with out the time commitment or mess.
3. Upcycled Tin Can Planter:
This is downright my favorite of all the crafts! Super cute and appropriate for all ages.
Here’s how you can do this craft at home:
- Wash out an old steel can (a larger can, like for stewed tomatoes, would work better for larger flowers). Punch a hole or two in the bottom for drainage.
- Paste magazine cutouts around the can. Cover with Mod Podge if you want to make it last longer.
- Plant a flower or seeds with some extra potting soil & place it in a sunny spot to watch it grow!
Go HERE to see more!
4. Tissue Paper Earth:
This is an inexpensive craft with stuff you probably have on hand already. Go HERE to see how she added arms and legs to make it a mobile but I think it’s just as cute as is.
Here’s how you can do this craft at home:
1. Paint the small paper plate blue & discuss that the earth is made up mostly of water
2. Show a picture of the earth and using the green tissue paper form areas of land – be sure to remind them there should be more blue (water) than green (land)
There are some great Earth Day Books available on Amazon for the kids:
I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – $3.99
** Remember that Amazon prices can change at any time!