The Earth and I (Rise and Shine)
on Goodreads (216)
What’s inside...
This story celebrates friendship that one child has with the Earth. They play together, listen to each other, and nourish each other. But when the Earth is sad, the child is sad--so he finds a way to make his friend, the Earth, happy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Earth feels when we take care of it?
What are some ways we can help keep the Earth clean and healthy?
Why do you think it's important to be friends with the Earth?
How do the things we do every day affect the Earth?
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong connection with nature? What was it like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by reflecting on your own experiences with nature and the environment, setting a personal and relatable tone. Encourage your child to think creatively and empathetically by asking them to imagine the Earth as a friend. Praise their ideas and contributions to reinforce their engagement. Make connections to real-life actions, like recycling or turning off lights, to bridge the discussion with practical actions. Consider following up with an activity, such as planting a tree or creating a recycling plan together, to turn the dialogue into a tangible experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect and care for the environment
Explanation: In 'The Earth and I', the friendship between the child and the Earth illustrates the need to take care of our planet.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of humans and nature
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the child and the Earth help each other, symbolizing the mutual support between humans and nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem, such as planting trees and preserving animal habitats.
Example Lesson: Empathy and connection
Explanation: The relationship between the child and the Earth in the book highlights the capacity for empathy towards our environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by being mindful of their immediate surroundings and reflecting on how their actions affect the world.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards future generations
Explanation: The child's care for the Earth underscores the responsibility we hold towards future generations to preserve the environment.
Real-World Application: This can be integrated into a child’s life by teaching them to use resources wisely and to think about the long-term impacts of their actions.