Literacy Lessons for Little Learners: Protecting Our Planet with We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet and the natural resources we rely on every day. At the Early Excellence Project, we believe that books can empower young readers to become environmental stewards by helping them understand their connection to nature and their responsibility to care for it.

This month, we’re featuring We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, with breathtaking illustrations by Michaela Goade. This powerful story introduces children to environmental stewardship, Indigenous traditions, and the importance of protecting our water.

Through poetic language and vibrant artwork, this award-winning book helps little learners understand that water is sacred and that even young people can be leaders in protecting the earth. During Earth Month, it’s the perfect book to spark conversations about how we care for our environment and take action to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

In this post, we’ll explore literacy lessons to help your child connect with the story while building key reading and comprehension skills.

Introducing the Story: Why Water Matters

We Are Water Protectors follows a young Indigenous girl as she learns about the importance of water and the threats posed by environmental harm. The book invites children to think about water’s role in their daily lives and what they can do to help protect it.

This story is a wonderful way to introduce conversations about environmental awareness, pollution, and the importance of conservation—topics that are especially relevant during Earth Month.

Start with These Questions:

• Why is water important?

• Where do we find water in nature?

• How do we use water every day?

• What do you think it means to be a “water protector”?

• Why do we need to take care of our planet?

These questions help children activate prior knowledge and make personal connections to the story before reading.

Building Vocabulary Through Nature and Activism

The language in We Are Water Protectors introduces young readers to powerful words related to the environment, Indigenous culture, and activism.

Try These Vocabulary Activities:

• Word Hunt – As you read, point out new words like "protect," "sacred," "pollution," and "stewardship." Explain their meanings in simple terms.

• Act It Out – Have your child act out words like "flow" (moving like a river) or "stand" (standing strong like a protector).

• Nature Walk – Take a walk and identify elements from the book in real life, like rivers, lakes, or even rain puddles. Discuss why they’re important and how we can keep them clean.

These activities help children build language skills while deepening their understanding of the book’s themes and their role in protecting the environment.

Exploring Story Themes: Protecting the Earth

This book introduces children to activism in a way they can understand—by showing how even small actions can make a difference. Earth Month is the perfect time to discuss ways we can all take care of the planet, from conserving water to reducing waste.

Discussion Questions:

• What does the main character want to protect?

• How does she feel about the water?

• Why do you think she wants to stop the "black snake" (a metaphor for oil pipelines)?

• How can we take care of the water in our community?

• What are some ways we can protect the earth during Earth Month and beyond?

Connecting the story to your child’s world helps them see that they, too, can be caretakers of the earth.

Creativity Through Art: Becoming a Water Protector

Art is a wonderful way for children to express their thoughts about the story and their role in protecting the environment.

Activity: Create a “Water is Life” Poster

• Provide crayons, markers, and paper.

• Ask your child to draw a picture of water they want to protect—maybe a lake, a river, or even a bathtub!

• Help them add words like “Water is Sacred” or “I Am a Water Protector.”

• Display the artwork to remind them of their role in caring for the planet.

This activity reinforces the book’s message and gives children a sense of ownership over environmental protection.

Reflection: What Can We Do to Help?

Encourage your little learner to think about how they can take action to care for the earth, especially during Earth Month.

Reflection Questions:

• What would you say if you were teaching someone about water?

• How can we use less water at home?

• What are small actions we can take to help the earth?

• Why is it important to take care of the environment?

Simple actions, like turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, picking up litter, or planting a tree, show children that small choices can make a big impact.

Empowering Our Youngest Protectors

We Are Water Protectors is more than just a beautiful story, it’s a call to action for young learners to care for our planet. Earth Month is the perfect time to reinforce the importance of environmental responsibility and encourage children to take small but meaningful steps to protect the world around them.

By engaging with the book’s themes and activities, children will build literacy skills while developing an early sense of responsibility for the environment.

We hope these literacy lessons spark meaningful conversations and inspire your little learner to think about how they can make a difference. Stay tuned for next month’s book feature in our Literacy Lessons for Little Learners series, and as always, happy reading!