Materials
none
Instructions
Ahead of time, set out a bin and ask the children to bring in recyclable
materials.
What to Do
1. Set up an area where the children can create their Trashy Art. Set out the craft
supplies and collage items (pompoms, sequins, chenille stems, plastic glitter,
buttons, fabric scraps, and so on).
2. Closely supervise the children as they use their imaginations to create their
own unique artwork out of the recyclable materials.
3. Encourage conversation by asking many open-ended questions and making
positive comments on the children's work. For example, "I see that you are
putting a lot of purple pompoms on the top your artwork. Is there a special
reason for using that color?"
4. As the children work, talk with them about what would have happened to
their recycled items if they had put those items in the trash. Introduce the idea
of a landfill and briefly explain what that is.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Gauge what the children have learned by asking them to continue collecting
recyclable items and to sort recyclable items from nonrecyclable ones as a
part of the daily routine.
* Can the children describe the artistic way they enjoy their recycled objects?
