Materials
- box
- recyclable materials (see list to the right)
- standard art supplies (markers, paint, glue, tape, string/yarn,
- child-safe scissors, hole punches, and so on)
Preparation
- Set up a large collection box near your parent/family member area invadvance. Post a notice as follows:
- Let's get ready for Trash-to-Treasure Day! Please donate plastic lids, egg cartons, cardboard boxes, magazines, colorful junk mail, cylinders from paper towels, foam trays, berry baskets, paper bags, gift wrap, and so on.
- Move the collection box to the art area.
What to Do
1. Read and discuss one or more of the related books (see list for suggestions). Explain that you will help the children turn trash into treasure by reusing materials in fun new ways.
2. Invite small groups to the art area and encourage them to examine the "trash." Ask them to think about what "treasures" they might create using this and other art supplies.
3. Demonstrate a few techniques to get the ball rolling. For example, cut a magazine picture into a circle and glue it to a margarine lid. Send it through the air like a flying disc or punch a hole at the edge and tie a piece of yarn to spin it overhead.
4. Provide inspiration and encouragement. Assist the children as needed.
Assessment
Consider the following:
- Invite the children to show off their treasures and explain how they made them.
- Do the children understand the value of reusing old items?
-Susan Sharkey, Fletcher Hills, CA
Instructions
* Use the black marker to make a large uppercase R on the three pieces of
poster board.
* Cut out the three Rs and set them in different work spaces: one labeled
"reduce," one labeled "reuse," and one labeled "recycle."
What to Do
1. Engage the children in a discussion about recycling.
2. Help the children sort magazine pictures into the three categories. Put the
pictures on the appropriate work spaces.
3. Explain that manufactured items are not the only things filling up our landfills.
Add natural items such as leaves, grass, and small twigs. Discuss how to reuse
or recycle these items.
4. Have the children paint over the letters with a heavy glue wash, then apply
the pictures and other materials to the appropriate R.
5. As you work, talk to the children about the concepts of the three Rs.
6. Display the three Rs on a bulletin board with an appropriate heading.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children look at images of materials and say whether they are
recyclable or reusable?
* As the children work together, observe those who find sharing materials easy
and those who still try to hoard items for their own use.
