Our family began recycling a year or so ago. Our decision to “go green” was based simply on a desire to be better stewards of the Earth that God has given us. However, it could easily be turned into a learning experience for even the youngest of children. What can a child learn?
What recycling is, how it helps the Earth and how items are recycled – Check out some books or videos from the library before you begin and discuss what you’ll be doing and why. Taking a trip to a local recycling center (where the materials are actually processed, not the drop-off location) can be a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Sorting, categorizing and classifying – A child need only to be able to differentiate between a 1 and a 2, plastic and glass to be able to help sort the recyclables.
Responsibility – Sorting the recyclables is a job that could easily be handled by a young child. We have a spot in our kitchen where the items to be recycled go and bins for each in the garage. Carrying the recyclables from the kitchen and sorting them into the appropriate containers could be a household chore easily managed by a preschooler.
Counting and saving money – The only recyclables we turn in for cash are aluminum cans. I let the kids split the money for these. It’s not much, but they enjoy having a little bit of spending (or saving) money. You could use the pay out for your aluminum cans as an opportunity for your preschooler or Kindergartener to learn recognition of various coins and bills, how to count money, and the benefits of saving.
What other educational benefits can you see for recycling?
Kris is the sweet tea drinking, classically eclectic, slightly Charlotte Mason, homeschooling mom to her three Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
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