Looking for a fun way to celebrate Earth Day in your classroom? There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm is just what you need! This book, another whimsical installment in the Old Lady series, brings Lucille Colandro’s quirky humor to life with an Earth Day-themed twist that will have your students giggling—and learning—all at once.
Featuring hilarious illustrations by Jared Lee (whose artistic talents are backed by membership in the National Cartoonists Society and the Society of Illustrators), this story follows our favorite Old Lady as she swallows her way through worms, dirt, and more. Don’t worry—unlike the typical Earth Day PSA, this one doesn’t involve composting!
You can grab this book on Amazon here. You can watch this book on YouTube here.
Why Choose There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm?
This perfect springtime book is not just a riot of fun but also sneaks in a lesson or two. The classic song rhythm keeps kids engaged while reinforcing key story elements and vocabulary. Your young readers will be swept up in the tale, wondering what the Old Lady will swallow next (hint: it’s more surprising than a piece of cake). The Earth Day-themed twist ties in perfectly with discussions about nature, recycling, and the environment.
Let’s be real—who wouldn’t want to use There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm as an excuse to read about a lady who apparently didn’t get the memo about how digestion works?
Extend the Fun with Our Companion Pack!
Of course, what would a great book be without some equally great activities to go along with it? We’ve put together a book companion that includes all the tools you’ll need to keep your students engaged long after the Old Lady finishes her…unique meal. Here’s a peek:
- Sequencing cards and printables: Perfect for retelling the story (without actually eating bugs) in both a color-rich and black-and-white copy.
- Large word wall pieces: Great for vocabulary building and matching games.
- Reading comprehension game: A fun and interactive way to test what your students remember, with no worms required. The game board, questions, and answer key are included.
- Writing prompts and ABC order games: Creative and literacy-focused activities your students will love.
- Math activities: Because who says you can’t learn number sense while swallowing a garden? Check out the number sense with a worm theme.
Why Your Students Will Love It!
With 140 pages of activities, this pack is the go-to resource for Earth Day-themed learning. Teachers love how easy it is to prep, making it a perfect addition to your sub plans as well. And yes, it even includes a paste worksheet, because what would kindergarten be without a little cutting and gluing?
Kids adore the Old Lady series for its humor and repetition. With hilarious illustrations and a classic rhyme, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm is no exception. It’s an engaging way to introduce new vocabulary, work on sequencing, and enjoy a charming song that’s sure to be a classroom favorite. Plus, it provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on fun—without the mess of actual worms.
So, this Earth Day, skip the usual composting lecture and grab There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm. Between the hilarious illustrations, the Earth Day-themed twist, and our fantastic book companion, your students will be laughing, learning, and loving this unforgettable tale.
Ready to dive in? Your students will be talking about it long after Earth Day is over!
