Materials
items that can be recycled into flowerpots, such as old shoes, boots, or containers
paint
paintbrushes
decorations, such as artificial flowers, yarn, sequins, feathers, ribbons, and lace
glue
recyclable items, such as paper towel rolls, egg cartons, boxes, and film canisters
Instructions
* Label the two buckets, one with "Recycle" and the other with "Garbage."
* Set out the materials in the dramatic play area.
What to Do
1. Sit together and discuss recycling,
landfills, what happens to things
we throw away, and choices to
make with garbage and trash.
Ask the children for their
ideas.
2. Have each child pretend that
she is taking out the trash.
3. Ask a child to put an item in
the recycle or garbage
container. Have the child
explain her choice.
4. If the child doesn't have the right
answer, carefully explain the proper
choice.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Ask the children to tell you about items that can be recycled.
* Can the children tell you what happens to those items?
* Do the children understand what happens to nonrecyclable items?
