Materials
large white paper
child-safe scissors
easel
green and blue tempera paint
rocks (one for each child)
paintbrushes
newspaper
Instructions
* Select a puppet to become your class recycling mascot. Name it Michael
Recycle. Display the puppet in a prominent place to be used on a regular
basis during your circle or group time activities.
* Display a bin of recyclable materials near the puppet.
* Print "Michael Recycle" in large bold letters on the sheet of cardboard. This
will be your puppet stage.
What to Do
1. Each morning before the children come to the circle time area, set out the
recyclable materials in a large circle formation on the floor.
2. As children come to the circle area, have each child sit near a recyclable item.
3. Place the Michael Recycle puppet on your hand and manipulate the puppet
behind the prepared puppet stage.
4. Display the recycling bin right below Michael and the cardboard stage.
5. Have Michael Recycle explain to the children the importance of recycling.
Michael Recycle can ask the children what they are holding, and whether the
items are recyclable.
6. Invite the children to take turns bringing up their recyclable items and putting
them in the recycling bin. As they do so, Michael Recycle congratulates the
children.
7. Encourage the children to congratulate one another after they each finish
taking their turn recycling.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children understand the importance of recycling?
* Can the children differentiate between recyclable and nonrecyclable materials?
