Reduce Reuse Recycle Week is an exciting time in our kindergarten classroom, filled with engaging activities and meaningful discussions about caring for our planet. This week, we kicked off the festivities with great enthusiasm, exploring new tables set up just for the occasion.
Our math table featured the Landfill Rescue game, where students used addition or subtraction strategies to help keep the bear out of the landfill. It was a fantastic way to introduce the concept of reducing waste and making mindful choices.
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At our sensory table, we had a special setup with a Reduce Reuse Recycle bear and various materials for sorting into the correct bins. This hands-on activity allowed students to explore the importance of sorting and recycling materials in a fun and interactive way.
For our literacy activity, we put a Reduce Reuse Recycle twist on our alphabet bump game. Instead of using regular alphabet dice, we used wooden alphabet buttons that students had to match to the correct letter on the game board. It was a creative way to reinforce letter recognition while incorporating our theme for the week.
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We started each day by reading “I Choose to Reduce Reuse Recycle” by Elizabeth Estrada, setting the tone for our discussions and activities. Together, we brainstormed ideas to reduce, reuse, and recycle, adding to our list throughout the week as new ideas emerged.
As part of our language arts curriculum, we’ve been exploring the diphthong “ai” this week. To tie it into our Reduce Reuse Recycle theme, we incorporated a directed drawing activity where students had a great time drawing and adding details to their trains, showcasing their creativity and reinforcing the importance of reusing materials.
Tuesday was a highlight of Reduce Reuse Recycle Week in our kindergarten classroom as we transformed recycled materials brought from home into a fun and interactive Grocery Store. The students were actively involved in setting it up, and their creativity and excitement were palpable.
Throughout the week, the Grocery Store became a focal point of our learning environment, providing endless opportunities for imaginative play and exploration. From stocking shelves to playing cashier, the students thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this hands-on experience.
As Friday approached, it was almost bittersweet to see the end of our Grocery Store adventure. However, the memories and lessons learned about the value of reusing materials will stay with us for a long time to come.
Wednesday was a heartwarming day in our kindergarten as we took a break from our Reduce Reuse Recycle week to celebrate Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to kindness and inclusivity. It was a day filled with meaningful activities and reflections that left a lasting impact on all of us.
We began our day with a special read-aloud of “Kindness is Cooler Ms Ruler,” a delightful story that reinforced the importance of kindness in our daily lives. Inspired by the book, we discussed how we could collect 100 acts of kindness, just like the characters did, for a special celebration when we reach our goal. The enthusiasm and eagerness of the children to participate in this kindness project were truly heartwarming.
In preparation for our kindness project, we talked about starting to collect Kindness show & tell items, which would highlight the kind acts they did at home to help out. This initiative not only encouraged kindness but also strengthened the bond between home and school.
To further reinforce our understanding of numbers, we played the kindness math tower & tumble game, which not only celebrated acts of kindness but also helped us practice subitizing numbers in a fun and engaging way.
On Thursday of Reduce Reuse Recycle Week, we revisited our lists of ways to be kind to our planet Earth. We had a meaningful discussion about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling in our classroom and homes.
To reinforce these concepts, we engaged in a creative activity where students drew pictures of as many ways as they could think of to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Afterwards, we did some balloon stamping to create an Earth in the center of our page, symbolizing our commitment to caring for our planet.
It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage creativity and reinforce the importance of sustainability in a fun and interactive way. The students were engaged and enthusiastic, showcasing their understanding of how small actions can make a big difference.
Friday was the highlight of Reduce Reuse Recycle Week in our kindergarten classroom as we embarked on a creative adventure to create recycled sculptures. Using all the materials that had been brought in for the grocery store, students brainstormed, designed, and constructed unique sculptures that showcased their creativity and environmental awareness.
It was fascinating to see the diverse ideas and designs that emerged from this activity. From robots to animals to abstract structures, each sculpture was a testament to the students’ imagination and ingenuity.
This activity not only allowed students to express their creativity but also reinforced the importance of reusing materials and thinking sustainably. It was a wonderful way to wrap up our week of learning about Reduce Reuse Recycle and to celebrate our commitment to caring for the planet.
Reduce Reuse Recycle Week in our kindergarten classroom was a resounding success, filled with engaging activities and meaningful lessons about caring for our planet. From playing the Landfill Rescue game to setting up a Grocery Store out of recycled materials, students were actively involved in learning about sustainability and making environmentally conscious choices. Through creative projects like drawing pictures of ways to Reduce Reuse Recycle and creating recycled sculptures, students not only learned about the importance of reducing waste but also developed a deeper appreciation for the world around them. It was a week filled with fun, learning, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on our planet.
Kindy Play 