Kindness Kit #6: Caring for the Environment
Read the following Book(s) with your child(ren).
After reading each story, use the following questions as a jumping off point to begin a family conversation. you may also proceed to our “Talking Tips” page to help you further facilitate your discussion.
SavetheChildren.org is running a campaign right now during which celebrities read books to children to spread the word about the needs of kids children who rely on school for food. During school closures, this campaign called @SAVEWITHSTORIES will be collecting donations. The funds donated will be used to support food banks, and mobile meal trucks, and community feeding programs as well as provide children with educational toys, books, and worksheets. A couple of the following stories are read by the authors on Facebook and Instagram in support of this campaign.
Book 1: The Earth Book by Todd Parr
Discussion Questions:
What does the child do to care for the earth?
Why does she do this?
What are some other things YOU can do to help the earth?
Book 2: Follow the Moon Home by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Meilo So.
This book is read by the author, Philippe Cousteau on Instagram or Facebook as part of the Save with Stories Campaign by Save the Children.
Discussion Questions:
This is a story about environmental activism and children’s ability to make a difference! What problem does the class decide to solve?
What was the cause of the problem? Did humans cause the problem?
What are some of the things the children do to raise awareness and to solve the problem?
Did their actions make a difference in the end?
How is what they did good for the environment? (habitat preservation, saving energy by turning out lights, keeping the beaches safe for animals, etc.).
What are some other ways we can help save animals that live in the oceans?
Book 3: We are the Gardners by Joanna Gaines, Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
This book is read by the author, Joanna Gaines, on Instagram or Facebook as part of the Save with Stories Campaign by Save the Children.
Discussion Questions:
What does the family learn about plants?
What do plants need to grow?
Why is it important to grow plants and have a garden?
What was the major lesson learned at the end of the story?
Book 4: Where in the World is Away? by Michael Franti, Illustrated by Ben Hodson
Discussion Questions:
What do the kids discover about where garbage goes?
What are some things you can do to reduce, reuse, and recycle?'
Book 5: Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Lee White (reading by Brightly Storytime).
Discussion Questions:
What is Kate’s problem?
What is her solution? Is it earth-friendly?
What do you appreciate about nature?