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April 17, 2012

Just a Dream to Save Our Planet

Just a Dream to Save Our Planet
A few weeks ago I posted a question on Facebook asking teachers to tell me their favorite book to read aloud for Earth Day. Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg was the top recommendation, but I had not read it before. I always like his books, so I immediately ordered it from Amazon.com. It's a beautiful picture book about a boy named Walter who imagines an exciting future on Earth - until he has a dream with a series of episodes that take him on an unforgettable adventure. Walter sees what will happen to the Earth if we don't take better care of our planet.

What a great introduction to environmental issues and problems! Thanks to everyone who recommended it. It was written in 1990 so I'm not quite sure how I missed this treasure!

I had so much fun creating a set of activities based on the theme of this book!  Just a Dream to Save Our Planet starts with a quick Think-Pair-Share for students to discuss their visions of the future and is followed by a read-aloud session. After that, you can choose from several cooperative learning and writing activities.


You can download this free packet to go with Just a Dream from my TeachersPayTeachers store. Everything is explained in the teacher directions, but here's a quick list of what you'll find:
  • 8 prepared discussion cards
  • 4 blank discussion cards
  • 9 cards describing the events
  • A graphic organizer for sorting the event cards into categories
  • Problem-Solution graphic organizers for the environmental issues   
Why am I giving this 15-page packet away for free? I guess because I think it's so important for all kids to explore environmental issues and discuss ways to protect our Earth. So it's my gift to you, and I hope you will make this lesson your gift to your students!

9 comments:

  1. live laugh love to learnApril 17, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Love this! Thanks for sharing. I'm going to incorporate these activities into my Earth Day Week unit!

    ReplyDelete
  2. RebeccaApril 17, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    This is great! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Blogging Blessings,
    Rebecca

    The Teacher's Chatterbox

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElizabethApril 17, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    I have always loved using this book. Thank you so much for these activities! I just downloaded them and I especially love the discussion cards.

    Thanks as always!

    Elizabeth

    Fun in Room 4B

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 18, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    1. I love that book! You can't even get it in stores now :( I should order it used on Amazon.
    2. I just discovered your blog and absolutely love it. I'm a preservice teacher and am excited to have stumbled upon your blog.
    3. You are doing a great service for teachers. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 19, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    thanks so much Laura, love your stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TheprincessandthetotApril 25, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    Stopping by to visit my fellow 5-Star Bloggers! I'm not familiar with this book, but will be sure to check it out! I love your blog!

    www.theprincessandthetot.blogspot.com
    www.bentosonthebayou.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownApril 25, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    I must try this book, Laura. Thanks for recommending.

    Sue

    sos-supply

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownMay 22, 2013 at 1:28 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousApril 18, 2015 at 12:15 PM

    This book has been one of my favorites for a long time. Thanks for reminding me that I have it on my shelf and for the activities!

    ReplyDelete

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