Earth Day is a special time to help children learn about caring for our planet. While preschoolers are still very young, they are naturally curious about the world around them. They notice flowers, insects, trees, and animals, making this the perfect age to begin introducing the idea of protecting the Earth.
At the preschool level, Earth Day does not need to focus on complex environmental issues. Instead, it can be about simple habits such as throwing rubbish in the bin, taking care of plants, saving water, and keeping outdoor spaces clean.
Teaching these ideas early helps children build a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature. One of the best ways preschoolers learn is through play-based activities, which is why printable games and worksheets can be such a helpful teaching tool.
To support early learning, we’ve created a few free Earth Day printables that make it easy to introduce these concepts in a fun and engaging way.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Teaching About Earth Day
Preschoolers learn best through everyday experiences. When they begin to understand that the Earth is something we all share, they can start forming positive habits that last a lifetime.
Learning about Earth Day can help children:
• Develop respect for nature
• Learn simple ways to care for the environment
• Build awareness of plants and animals
• Understand that small actions can help the planet
Activities that include games, colouring, and counting help reinforce these ideas in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for young learners.
Free Earth Day Printables for Preschoolers
These free printable activities are designed for children aged 3–5 years old and can be used at home, in preschool classrooms, or as part of an Earth Day learning theme.
Each printable focuses on early childhood skills while introducing simple Earth-friendly ideas.
Earth Day Memory Game (8 Cards)
Memory games are excellent for developing concentration and visual recognition skills.
This Earth Day memory game includes 8 cards featuring simple Earth-themed images that preschoolers can match together.
Children turn over the cards and try to remember where each image is placed. When they find two matching cards, they keep the pair.
This activity helps children develop:
• Memory and focus
• Visual recognition skills
• Turn-taking and patience
As children play, it can also open the door for conversations about caring for the Earth. For example, if they match a picture of the planet or recycling symbol, you can talk about simple ways we help keep the Earth clean.
Click on the images to download
Earth Day Colouring Pages
Colouring pages are a simple but effective way to introduce young children to new ideas.
These Earth Day colouring pages feature easy-to-colour illustrations related to nature and the planet. While children colour, adults can talk about ways we care for the Earth.
You might discuss things like:
• Picking up rubbish
• Watering plants
• Keeping parks clean
• Taking care of animals
Coloring activities also help develop important preschool skills such as:
• Fine motor development
• Pencil control
• Creativity and self-expression
Preschool Books About Earth Day
Reading stories is one of the best ways to introduce big ideas to young children.
Here are some wonderful Earth Day books for preschoolers that pair perfectly with Earth Day activities and printables.
The Earth Book
This bright and cheerful book is perfect for young children. It explains simple ways kids can help the planet, such as turning off the lights, using both sides of paper, and taking care of trees.
The bold illustrations and simple sentences make it ideal for preschoolers. It also encourages children to understand that even small actions can make a big difference for the Earth.
I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids
This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to the planet Earth in a simple and engaging way. It explains what the Earth is made of and why it is important to take care of it.
The book gently introduces the idea that our planet is special and worth protecting, making it a lovely read for Earth Day learning.
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet
This book celebrates the beauty of nature. With real photographs and simple text, it encourages children to appreciate the natural world around them.
It focuses on gratitude for the Earth, helping children notice the beauty in trees, water, animals, and the sky.
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
Told from the perspective of the Earth itself, this book gives children a fun introduction to the planet’s history. While it includes some fascinating facts, the playful storytelling style keeps young readers engaged.
It’s a great book to spark curiosity about our amazing planet.
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World
This interactive book shows children simple actions they can take to care for the Earth. Each page shares a practical idea, such as recycling, saving water, and using less paper.
The book helps preschoolers understand that everyone can help protect the planet.
Pairing stories with simple games and worksheets helps reinforce the ideas they have just heard.
For example, after reading about caring for the Earth, children can:
• Play an Earth Day memory game
• Complete a counting worksheet with nature-themed images
• Enjoy Earth Day colouring pages
Earth Day Counting Worksheet
The Earth Day counting worksheet introduces early math skills using nature-themed images.
Children practice counting objects and identifying numbers, which helps strengthen early numeracy skills in a fun and visual way.
Counting worksheets like this support preschool learning by helping children:
• Recognize numbers
• Practice counting
• Develop early math confidence
Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Printable activities are a great starting point, but there are many simple ways to continue the learning.
You might also try:
• Going on a nature walk
• Planting flowers or seeds together
• Picking up litter in the garden or park
• Watering plants
• Talking about animals and where they live
These small activities help children understand that everyone can play a role in caring for the Earth.
By starting these conversations early, children can grow up understanding that even small actions help take care of our beautiful planet.
Leave a Reply