Every year, Earth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the health of our planet and inspire action. But the real question is, how can we make every day Earth Day? The focus should not only be on setting a good example but also on teaching our children how to take care of the planet for future generations. At Pobble, we’re committed to supporting educators in fostering creativity and awareness among young minds, and Earth Day offers the perfect occasion to do just that!
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 25 engaging, non-screen activities designed to get children thinking critically about sustainability and their role in protecting the Earth. These activities are perfect for teachers looking to reduce screen time, while also promoting creativity and thoughtful reflection. Not only do these activities encourage environmental awareness, but reducing screen time also helps lower our carbon footprint, making a positive impact both on the environment and on our well-being. 🌎
Download your printable copy of these activities below and share them with your class.
Imagine you’re a reporter: Write a news report about today's major environmental issue. What will you write about, and why is it important?
Interview someone: Ask a family member or friend about the world today and what changes they think would help protect the planet.
Plant a seed: Choose a plant and give it the care it needs. How can plants contribute to saving the planet?
Clean up your area: Take a walk outside, collect litter in your local area, and discuss how small acts of kindness to the environment can make a big difference.
Earth Quiz: Create a set of 10 quiz questions about Earth. Test your family or friends! Can they answer them all correctly?
Write about the earth: How does the earth look today? Write a short description of what you see and feel, highlighting the things you like and dislike.
Write a letter to yourself: Imagine it’s 20 years in the future. What message would you give your future self about taking care of the Earth?
Investigate: What are the biggest ways we harm the planet, and how can we change that? Write down your findings and thoughts.
Write a poem, song, or rap: Create a piece of writing about the planet. Perhaps something called ‘The Pollution Solution.’
Time travel writing: What would Earth look like in 100 years? Write a story about time travelling to the future and seeing how Earth has changed.
Create art from nature: Collect twigs, leaves, and other natural materials to make a piece of art or sculpture inspired by nature.
Upcycle a household item: Use something from your recycling bin to create a new, useful object or piece of art.
Write a diary entry: Reflect on a memorable day you’ve had recently. How did it make you feel, and how was the environment a part of it?
Debate Earth Day: Should we celebrate Earth Day once a year or should every day be Earth Day? Discuss your thoughts with someone else.
Write a letter to the future: Ask a friend or family member to write you a letter, to be read years later, about their thoughts on the environment and Earth’s future.
Design what Earth might look like: Use drawings, models, or paintings to illustrate your vision of Earth in the next 20 years.
Take charge of recycling: Become the recycling manager at home or school. Track how much you can recycle and keep improving!
Write about your favourite things: List what you love about the Earth right now. Think about the things you want to protect for the future.
Draw a self-portrait: What do you look like today? How might you change in the next 10 years?
Give thanks for the planet: Draw a picture or write a list of things you’re thankful for that Earth provides.
Start a scrapbook: Collect things from this year, like photos, newspaper clippings, tickets, or other keepsakes that tell your story. How could you preserve memories for the future?
Set goals for the future: Write a list of your personal goals. How can you help the Earth while achieving them?
Become an Eco-Warrior: Monitor how much electricity you use in different rooms of your house. Where can you save energy?
Create a poster: Design a poster that teaches others how to take care of the Earth. Use powerful messages and eye-catching designs.
Make a time capsule: Create a time capsule filled with items from these activities. What would you want future generations to know? Hide it away for years to come!
Why non-screen activities matter
Reducing screen time can have a significant impact on children's well-being, and it’s equally important to foster creativity and reflection without digital distractions. These activities provide children with the space to think critically, be creative, and consider their role in preserving the planet. By using Pobble’s ready-made resources, teachers can effortlessly engage students in activities that nurture both their writing skills and their environmental consciousness.
Incorporating these simple yet meaningful activities into your classroom allows students to connect with their surroundings, deepen their understanding of sustainability, and appreciate the natural world. These activities are not just Earth Day-focused, they can be revisited throughout the year to continuously inspire eco-conscious thinking.
Download your printable version here and share the Earth Day fun with your students!