Module 1: We Love Our Planet
We Love
Our Planet
LOVE
Student Learning Standards and Additional Lessons, Materials & Activities by State
New Jersey
Objective: to hold space for the children to form opinions on what they learned about what Earth is, who lives here, and what is happening on Earth right now
Vocabulary: (recap) Earth, natural element, climate zone, atmosphere
Reading: Here We Are
Science Activity: Love Note to Earth
Earth Friends Lesson
Module 1: Lesson 5
Begin Lesson
move: 5 minutes
Our Solar System
This is a repeated activity with ASL signs that describe a feature of each planet. If you repeat Our Solar System during each lesson of Module 1, the repetition will help the children learn that Earth is a planet in our solar system, and it is special because it supports life. We live on Earth!
We are going to learn about the different planets in our solar system. Every planet is special in its own way, and we are going to pretend to be the planets moving around the sun.
SUN: Our Sun gives us light during the day and all the energy we need to live. Make a C-motion away from forehead with right hand.
MERCURY: Mercury is the smallest planet. Squeeze 2 fingers together to indicate tiny.
VENUS: Venus is the brightest planet. Use 2 hands to fan out from center.
EARTH: Earth is our home and the only planet that supports life. Cross arms in front of chest for hug.
MARS: Mars has the biggest volcano. Form a triangle with index fingers and then make an explosion sign with right hand.
JUPITER: Jupiter is the biggest planet. Move hands apart from center.
SATURN: Saturn is the planet with rings. Draw a ring around right hand with left.
URANUS: Uranus is the coldest planet. Shiver.
NEPTUNE: Neptune is the farthest away. Point far away with right index finger.
Use the photo book to
familiarize the children with
photos of the planets.
Curious Question
What do you want to ask me about Earth?
Allow the children to ask any questions about Earth. This is a form of review that engages the children's interests.
Main Lesson
We can love and take care of each other here on Earth. We can keep our natural elements, the land, water, and air clean and safe and learn about the differences between Earth's climate zones. We can pay attention to the temperature of Earth's atmosphere and be humans that keep it just right so that Earth is a safe place for everyone to live. As Earth Friends, we can share what we learn and what we have with each other.
sit & engage: 7 minutes
Love Note to Earth
Before you invite the children to the table or creative area, go around in a circle and have each child share what they love about planet Earth. Maybe that will be what they draw or create, and maybe not. Take note of what each child shares so you can help them with their creative project.
Materials Needed: colored Pencils or crayons + paper
We are going to write a love note to Earth, but don't worry, you don't have to write words on it! We are going to each share something you love about our planet, our home, Earth.
Closing Sentiment
We are all living together on Earth, and we can all be friends and help each other learn about and take care of our home.
Next, we're going to learn about our neighbors with feet, tails, and wings!
move & observe: 8 minutes
End Lesson
Teachers in the Classroom
Teacher Activity
Love Note to Earth Storytime
Materials Needed: love notes and drawings to Earth
Read the Love Note to Earth cards aloud as you would read a book at story time. If this activity was not finished or accomplished on the same day as the Earth Friends lesson, it
can be added to at any time during the week.
Which ice cube is melting faster? I wonder why.
Talk about how the sun heats the ice cube in the jar faster, because the jar, like Earth's atmosphere, traps the heat.
Throughout the Week
Discuss: Talk about the different things everyone loves about Earth. Let the children ask you questions.
Hands-on: Take the Classroom Earth down and help the children take turns placing the Climate Zone markers on it. Remind them with each one what that climate is like.
Create: Finish gluing the fabric to the Classroom Earth and complete the mosaic. Find an easily accessible place to hang the Classroom Earth in the classroom.
Reading: Here We Are
Vocabulary: (recap) Earth, natural element, climate zone, atmosphere
Good Choices
I can share what I am learning about Earth with my friends and family.
I can help adults keep the land, water, and air clean.
I can play outside in all 4 seasons to learn about the weather
Vocabulary:
Earth: Earth is the only planet where we humans, animals, and plants can live. This makes Earth very special. Earth is not too hot and not too cold. It's just right for life.
natural element: Earth has 3 natural elements that make it a good home for humans like you and me. Land, Water, and Air. Animals and plants need land, water, and air too.
climate zone: Earth has 3 climate zones. The Polar Zone is cold, and the Tropical Zone is hot. In the Temperate Zone, the weather changes every season. In spring, it's cool and the rain helps the plants grow. In summer, it's sunny and hot and we can play in the water. In fall, it's cool and the trees lose their leaves. In winter, it's cold and sometimes snowy. Our zone is unique because our seasons are so different.
atmosphere: Earth's atmosphere is special because it keeps Earth's temperature just right. It's like the perfect blanket, and it's made out of what we call gases. But right now, some humans are making choices that create too many gasses and make that blanket too thick, and Earth is getting too hot. We don't want the land or the water or the air to get too hot here on Earth.
Families at Home
Discuss: Ask your child what they learned about the Earth? What do they love about living on Earth? Be interested. Try not to correct them, even if they come up with something zany! Instead, you can share what you and your family love about Earth too.
Visit: Plan a Nature Playdate for your child/children and a friend. Choose somewhere outside where everyone can safely explore nature and dress and pack appropriate for the weather. Try to have a good time without toys, electronics, or even the playground. This might mean being a bit bored first, but that is okay! It's part of sparking curiosity.
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