Story Box Library Activity of the Month: June,  World Environment Day, and Arbor Day Monday 5 June

June: World Environment Day, and Arbor Day Monday 5 June 2023

Edward is sad after he finds the last tree in the city is no longer standing. After some reflection, he finds a way to make things better. Last Tree in the City is a poignant tale about the environment and the way children relate to its beauty.

World Environment Day, and Arbor Day are both on Monday 5 June this year. Do you know any interesting or funny places that you could plant a tree to make the world just a little bit better?

Celebrate World Environment Day, and Arbor Day with this activity available from Story Box Library linked to the story: Last Tree in the City, written, illustrated, and read by Peter Carnavas, published by New Frontier Publishing, Australia, 2010.

What you need:

• A selection of recyclable containers (e.g. milk bottles, coffee cups, cans, plastic containers, old shoes, hats etc.)
• Paints (masking tape is optional to create geometric patterns)
• Seeds, seedlings or cuttings
• Potting mix
• Water and watering can
• Choose a container and decorate with paint (you can create patterns by painting over masking tape and stickers, which can be removed when the paint is dry).
• Once dry, use your decorated containers as a plant pot by adding potting mix to the pot and planting your seed or cutting.
• Take care to follow instructions for growing your seed or cutting by placing your pot in a suitable location (e.g. full shade, half shade or full sun).
• Water your plants regularly and monitor them every day.

Teachers, students, parents, and caregivers can access hundreds of stories, and activities online, free through Story Box Library with their Waimakariri library card number and PIN.

To access Story Box Library go to our Tamariki/children's elibrary, from our Tamarirki/children's Space Page, where you will also find more resources that are relevant to preschool, and primary school aged children.