During January, February, and March, our class created four learning centers and four art activities using recyclable materials. We discussed how, instead of buying new toys and materials for our projects, we could reuse items we already have around our homes and classrooms. This creates less waste overall for the planet, which is good for animals and people.

We made a building center using recycled materials such as styrofoam, cardboard tubes, boxes, and yogurt containers.

We soaked dried-out markers in cups of water to create our own watercolor paints for art projects. The children were very interested in the process and happy to find a new use for our old markers.

We filled our sensory bin with styrofoam packing peanuts and styrofoam trays to explore building and breaking. We also set up a tabletop building center to create structures using styrofoam and toothpicks.

We used recycled plastic lids, packaging, and trays to explore white cloud dough made from old hair conditioners. The children used the materials to make monsters and birthday cakes.

We used various empty food containers glued to cardboard to create a 3D canvas for a class painting project. We also used empty Play-Doh containers as planters for our spring flowers – marigolds and zinnias.

During the four months, these are the materials we were able to reuse and recycle:

• 15 plastic trays
• 4 feet plastic cord
• 60 plastic lids
• 25 yogurt containers
• 35 cardboard food containers
• 10 tin cans
• 4 sheets of bubble wrap
• 2 large styrofoam packing pieces
• 6 sq feet of foam sheets
• 30 old markers
• 15 cardboard tubes
• 2 cubic feet of packing peanuts
• 15 plastic food containers
• 30 Play-Doh containers