Materials
bowl or small tray for buttons
muffin tin
at least three buttons of each color (Choose large
buttons [1" diameter] for three year-olds. Smaller buttons may be used
for older children.)
Instructions
l Label the various bins "recycling" and "trash," and fill them with the
appropriate materials.
l Display a bin and a basket together at six different locations in the
classroom.
l Set the larger garbage can in the wagon along with a milk crate.
What To Do
1. Talk with the children about what garbage and recycling are, and
where they come from. Explain how it is important to put each in its
proper containers. Talk with the children about garbage and recycling
collectors. Explain what they do.
2. Show the children the wagon and various garbage collection points set
up in the classroom. Invite the children to work together to collect the
garbage and recycling.
3. Challenge the children to sort the recyclable materials into various
groups, such as paper, plastic, and aluminum. Encourage the children
to discuss why certain things are garbage and others are recyclable.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Do the children understand the importance of garbage and recycling
collection?
l Can the children identify and separate garbage from recyclable
materials?
