3. Art Projects with Recycled Materials: There are many ways that children can help take care of our planet, but one of the easiest places to start is by recycling! Talk to children about the importance of reducing our waste and show children how we can reuse materials that we often get rid of. Paper towel or toilet paper rolls, plastic water bottles, egg cartons, tin cans, and even scraps of paper are materials that are easy to collect and easy to use as art materials.
Not sure how to get started? Visit The Art Bar Blog for some great ideas about what to make and different materials to use. Or visit the site, Hands On As we Grow, to see how tin cans can be transformed into homemade drums
4. Sorting Recyclable Materials: Another way to get children excited about recycling is to, create an opportunity for them to practice sorting materials in the classroom. Bring recycled materials, such as paper, plastic, and metals, and set out bins or containers for children to sort each item. Yukari, author of the blog, A Pinch of Kinder, shares on her website how she set up this activity in her classroom.
5. Painting on natural materials: Have you ever tried to paint on sticks or rocks? Take children outside or go for a walk to collect natural materials to paint on. Then, lay out some paper to protect your table. Offer children paint, brushes, and all of the sticks and rocks that you collected outside! You might even like to save some of the rocks and place them back outside as special decorations in your garden or by your front door. Sixth Bloom’s article, Ultimate Guide to Rock Painting for Preschoolers, is a great resource to help you get started.