Lesson Plan: Recycling for Preschool/Nursery
Grade Level
Preschool/Nursery
Duration
30 minutes
Topic
Recycle
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of recycling.
- Identify common recyclable materials.
- Participate in a fun recycling activity.
Materials Needed
- Picture cards of recyclable materials (paper, plastic, glass, metal)
- A recycling bin (or a box) for collecting materials
- Arts and crafts supplies (colored paper, markers, glue, scissors)
- Storybook about recycling (e.g., "The Berenstain Bears: Don't Pollute, the Class Trip")
- Music for a recycling song (optional)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting: Welcome the children and gather them in a circle.
- Discussion: Ask the students if they know what recycling is.
- Guiding Questions:
- “Have you heard the word ‘recycling’ before?”
- “What do you think happens to cans or bottles after we throw them away?”
- Definition: Explain in simple terms that recycling means turning old things into new things instead of just throwing them away.
Story Time (10 minutes)
- Read the Story: Choose a story that teaches about recycling.
- Interactive Questions: While reading, ask the children questions to keep them engaged.
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “Can you find something in the picture that can be recycled?”
Activity: Sorting Recyclables (10 minutes)
- Demonstration: Show the picture cards of recyclable materials. Discuss each item briefly.
- “Look at this plastic bottle. Can we recycle it?”
- Sorting Game:
- Set up the recycling bin and ask the children to sort items from a provided pile (you can collect safe, clean materials beforehand) into the correct bin.
- Celebrate their efforts and guide them as necessary.
Craft Activity (5 minutes)
- Recycled Art: Invite children to use recyclable materials (e.g., paper scraps) to create their artwork.
- “Let’s use these bits to make something new! What can we create?”
- Creativity Encouragement: Encourage discussion as they create, asking open-ended questions about what they are making.
Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)
- Review: Recap the key points of recycling discussed in the lesson.
- Discussion: Gather the children and let them share what they made during the craft activity.
- Closing Song: Sing a simple recycling song together if time permits.
Assessment
- Observe children’s participation in discussions and activities.
- Assess their understanding by asking them to name items that can be recycled.
Conclusion
This lesson on recycling integrates storytelling, hands-on activities, and creative expression to instill the importance of recycling in young children. It fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and encourages them to think critically about their daily habits.