Earth day doesn’t mean anything to little kids. That’s OK. I like to use days like Earth Day as a reminder for me to tackle current subjects and teach kids about recycling. I like to spend time learning more about the planet we live on in age-appropriate ways with my kids and students. This can be as simple as reading a great book or doing a fun Earth Day themed hands-on activity that adds some novelty to their day. Use that novelty to spark curiosity and interest about recycling, then follow where their curiosity leads you!
Here are 10 activities that teach kids about recycling that you can use to spark exploration about the environment with your little ones.
Crafts That Use Recycled Materials
Recycled Earth – Scrap Paper & Cardboard
Egg Carton Caterpillar – Classic for a reason right?
Super Hero Cuffs – You can use paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls, but the whole point is to use a recyclable so don’t use the craft tubes at Micheal’s for this one.
Milk Carton Bird Feeder – Help feed your local birds with this earth friendly craft
Necklace – Little beads aren’t safe for little ones but BIG recycled beads are!
Want more recycled arts and crafts? Check out this list of 75 Recycled Art Projects!
Art Projects That Use Recycled Materials As Tools
Painting with Recycled Tools – This is a fun way to use those things you have been saving but aren’t sure what you were saving them for!
Pop Can Painting – What a fun and earth friendly shape project!
Learning About How Recycling Works
Recycling Plant Color Sorting – Try out how things get sorted in a recycling plant.
Making Paper – Kids love making paper from scrap!
Sorting Recycling – An easy game that teaches kids a life skill as well!
For other ideas to teach kids about recycling, make sure to follow me on Facebook!
If you teach preschool or preschool at home, you will love my Little School eBook of preschool activities.
Rebekah Gienapp says
Love the recycling sorting! My 4 year old prefers to do it in the actual recycling bin (and then takes the ones he considers “treasures” into his bedroom.)
Brandy Champeau says
I love these recycling activities. The sorting activity with the bins is hands down my favorite.