Caring for Our Earth: Environment & Climate in June

June is the perfect time to bring meaningful conversations about caring for our planet into the classroom. With important observances like World Environment Day on June 5, World Oceans Day on June 8, and World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, students can begin to understand how their actions, big or small, can help protect the Earth. These special days create a natural opportunity to introduce young learners to environmental responsibility in a way that feels hopeful, empowering, and age-appropriate.

Our climate and ocean resources fit beautifully into this theme and make it easy for teachers to bring these concepts to life. 

The Climate Change Fact Booklet introduces foundational ideas in a simple, student-friendly format, 

while the Climate Change Vocabulary Activities help build understanding of important terms. 

The Climate Change – What Can We Do resource shifts the focus to action, encouraging students to think about how they can make a difference. 

Adding in our How to Draw Climate Change booklet gives students a creative way to express what they’ve learned through art.

The ocean animal resources extend this learning even further. 

The Ocean Animal Fact Booklets (dolphin, shark, jellyfish, seahorse, whale, octopus, crab, and starfish) help students explore marine life while building awareness of ocean ecosystems. 

Paired with the Ocean Animal Activities and How to Draw Ocean Animals, students can connect learning with creativity while developing a deeper appreciation for life under the sea.

To enrich these lessons, pairing our materials with engaging read-alouds can make a lasting impression. Here are five wonderful book options that align with this theme:

The Earth Book by Todd Parr

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul 

The Water Princess by Susan Verde 

Somebody Swallowed Stanley by Sarah Roberts 

What a Waste by Jess French

 

These books introduce environmental topics in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for young learners.

Hands-on activities can make these concepts even more meaningful and memorable:

“Ways We Help the Earth” Chart – As a class, brainstorm simple actions like recycling, saving water, and picking up trash. 

Ocean Habitat Sorting Activity – Students sort ocean animals and discuss where they live and how to protect their habitats. 

Create an Earth Helper Poster – Students draw and write one way they can help the planet. 

Pollution vs. Clean Environment Sort – Use pictures to help students identify healthy and unhealthy environments. 

Recycled Art Project – Use simple recyclable materials to create artwork, reinforcing the idea of reusing items. 

As June unfolds, these lessons help students build both awareness and confidence in their ability to care for the world around them. By connecting important environmental days with engaging activities and meaningful resources, you’re not just teaching science, you’re nurturing a sense of responsibility, kindness, and hope for the future of our planet. 

All products may be found in my TPT store: 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher