Earth Month (April) is the perfect time to help students explore environmental topics, learn about sustainability, and reflect on their role in caring for the planet. Whether you’re looking to transform your classroom with inspiring decor, teach the history of Earth Day, or engage students with hands-on activities, this guide has everything you need to make Earth Month both educational and impactful.
The History of Earth Day: Why It Matters
Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, when millions of people in the United States came together to demand action against pollution, deforestation, and harm to the environment. It was a turning point for environmental activism, leading to major changes like the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passing of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Today, Earth Day is celebrated in over 190 countries, reminding us that small actions—like conserving water, reducing waste, and planting trees—add up to a big impact. Schools play a huge role in this movement, inspiring the next generation to become stewards of the Earth.
Want to bring this history to life in your classroom? Try these Earth Month classroom decor ideas and interactive activities to make sustainability a hands-on learning experience!
Transform Your Classroom with Earth Month Decor
Celebrate Environmental Heroes
Help students connect with real-world change-makers by featuring 15 inspiring environmental leaders with the Environmental Activists Bulletin Board Set. This visually engaging set introduces students to activists like Wangari Maathai, Jane Goodall, and Greta Thunberg through:
- Illustrated portraits that bring each activist to life
- Powerful quotes to spark discussion and reflection
- Poetic descriptions of their impact
- Key achievements in climate action, sustainability, and conservation
This bulletin board is a great conversation starter about how individual actions can lead to global change—a powerful lesson for Earth Month!
Brighten Your Space with Motivational Earth-Themed Posters
For younger students, keep things fun and engaging with the Earth Day Motivational Poster Set. This adorable bulletin board set features:
-Nine Earth-themed posters with cute illustrations
-Simple, uplifting messages about taking care of the planet
-Kid-friendly visuals to make environmental awareness accessible
Perfect for elementary classrooms, homeschool spaces, and libraries, these posters reinforce positive habits like recycling, protecting wildlife, and reducing waste in a visually appealing way.
Hands-On Learning with an Earth Day Bracelet Craft
Want a low-prep, high-engagement activity that gets kids thinking about environmental responsibility? Try the Earth Day Bracelet Craft Activity!
Students color, cut, and assemble their own Earth Day bracelets
Three different sizes make it perfect for a range of ages
Fun and creative—but also reinforces key lessons about sustainability
Use this activity as a discussion prompt on the importance of caring for the planet, or add it to an Earth Day celebration station for an interactive learning experience!
Interactive Classroom Activities for Earth Month
Pair your Earth Month decor with engaging classroom activities! Here are a few ideas to bring environmental awareness to life:
Read-Aloud & Discussion: Why Do We Celebrate Earth Day?
- Read a book like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss or One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul.
- Discuss how small actions (like using less plastic) help the environment.
- Encourage students to write a pledge about how they will care for the planet.
Earth Day Challenge: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
- Have students track their waste reduction efforts for a week.
- Challenge them to repurpose an item into something new (a fun STEM project!).
- Discuss how small eco-friendly choices can make a big difference.
Plant a Classroom Garden or Seedling Cups
- Teach kids about plants, oxygen, and the importance of trees.
- Have students plant seeds in cups to take home and grow.
- Tie it into a lesson on photosynthesis, climate change, or food sustainability.
Let’s Make Earth Month Meaningful!
Bringing Earth Month into the classroom doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right decor, activities, and engaging discussions, you can inspire students to be mindful of their impact on the planet—and have fun while doing it!
Earth Day Educational Resources:
EarthDay.org – Earth Day Activities & Resources Official Earth Day website with lesson plans, activities, and global Earth Day events. Great for exploring real-world environmental issues.
NASA Climate Kids Engaging games, videos, and articles about climate change, recycling, and sustainability. Fun for students learning about the environment.
National Geographic Kids – Protect the Planet. Features kid-friendly articles on climate change, conservation, and wildlife protection. Includes videos, interactive maps, and at-home activities.
PBS Kids – Earth Day Games & Activities Interactive games and activities that teach kids about nature, recycling, and conservation.
For more ideas for your classroom in April, visit our blog post about Neurodiversity Month.
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