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What is Earth Day? Think about what you already know about Earth Day and what it means to reduce, reuse and recycle! 

Watch the video below to hear “The Lorax” written by Dr. Seuss read aloud. 

Amazon.com: The Lorax (Classic Seuss) (9780394823379): Dr. Seuss ...

The Lorax Read Aloud Video

Here are some questions to think about:

  • What was the message behind this story?
  • Was it harmful when the Once-ler cut down the first tree? If so, who, or what did it harm?
  • The Once-ler’s business making and selling Thneeds is very successful. Is the Once-ler’s success a good thing? Why or why not? What might make it good? What might make it bad?
  • How are the problems for the Bar-ba-loots, Swomee-Swans, and Humming Fish all related to the Once-ler cutting down Truffula Trees? Can the same thing happen in real life?
  • Do you think that there could have been a way for the Once-ler to make Thneeds, without causing harm? Why or why not?

Writing Activity: Because Earth Day is tomorrow, please write about the importance of Earth Day. Think about what it means, how we can help the Earth and what could happen if we aren’t careful and mindful about how our actions affect others as well as this planet. Talk about “The Lorax” and how it relates to Earth Day.  Below there is a writing template for Earth Day with a word bank to use. You can use this for your writing or use a blank piece of paper.

Gr.1’s-Try to write 2-3 sentences.

Gr. 2’s-Try to write 3 sentences or more. Aim for 4 or 5!

An example to get you started:

Earth Day is important because it reminds us that we need to help the Earth. We can help the Earth by reducing waste or garbage, reusing what we have, and recycling what we don’t need anymore like paper. If we don’t help the Earth, our forests may not be as clean or as big, and maybe we would run out of resources like trees for paper!

Art Activity (optional): Follow along to this video and learn how to draw the Lorax!

Lorax Drawing Video