Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: 5 Recycling Activities for Preschoolers

Younger generations are the ones who are going to inherit our planet, so getting them invested in protecting it at a young age is essential!

Preschoolers are the perfect age to start learning about the importance of recycling and looking after the environment. They are naturally becoming more curious about the world around them, which creates opportunities to share simple lessons about sustainability. 

Creating this knowledge at a young age also makes it easier for them to grasp more advanced concepts as they grow.

But you might be wondering how to teach such an important topic to your young child.

Well, the good news is, there are plenty of recycling activities for preschoolers that are easy to arrange and, of course, fun to do. Here are 5 simple ideas you can try with your child today!

What kind of recycling activities are best for preschoolers?

Any activity that teaches your child about recycling and why it’s important will increase their environmental awareness. 

That said, activities that instil good recycling behaviours and show how different materials can be reused, are particularly beneficial. And, as with any activity for your preschooler, the more fun it is, the more they will get out of it!

5 Recycling activities that are perfect for your preschooler!

One of the best ways to make the concept of recycling accessible is to incorporate it into activities your preschooler already loves. There’s virtually no limit to how recycled materials can be used, so you are sure to find an activity that suits their interests.

• Inspire their creativity

If your child loves to paint, draw, and craft, encourage them to express their artistic flair using recycled materials. This is a fun and easy way to reuse paper, cardboard, and even plastic products and packaging.

It also highlights the value of these materials and helps kids to start thinking about the different ways they can be used.

Getting creative with recycled materials could be as simple as decorating plain paper bags with drawings and paintings. You could also make collages out of scrap paper, which provides an opportunity to practice cutting skills. 

Or, you could work together to transform empty cardboard boxes and plastic cartons into sculptures and other structures. The possibilities are endless!

• Feed their curiosity

If your child loves engineering, experimenting, calculating, and problem-solving, there are plenty of simple STEM activities you can do with recycled materials.

Empty cereal boxes, drink containers, egg cartons, and paper towel and toilet rolls, make the ideal building materials. From simple stacked towers and walls to thoughtfully engineered marble runs, the only limit is their imagination.

Many common household items can also be upcycled into learning tools. Empty egg cartons are perfectly designed for games and lessons about counting and sorting. A wide range of materials can also be used to make “recycled boats” for float or sink experiments.

• Animate their stories

If your child loves making up stories and acting out scenes, recycled materials can help bring their tales to life. Old furniture, crockery, cookware, and utensils may not be suitable for donation, but could still be used as props. Torn and worn clothing can also make great costumes, helping your child to really get into character.

Take the creativity a step further by crafting puppets out of recycled materials. You can keep it simple with the classic sock or paper bag puppet, or use a wider selection of materials to create more elaborate marionettes. 

Complete the experience by working together to make your own puppet theatre out of recycled cardboard boxes!

• Grow their green thumb

If your child loves getting outside and enjoying nature, recycling and gardening go hand-in-hand.

Most empty food and drink containers can be easily converted into plant pots. In addition to helping reduce waste, this also provides an opportunity to teach your little one about where food comes from. They will also get to watch in wonder as the seeds they planted grow into beautiful flowers and nutritious produce!

Setting up a home composting system is also a great way to teach your preschooler about waste reduction. Compost bins can be made from recycled materials, and provide a practical way to start establishing good recycling habits.

• Encourage their involvement

If your child loves to help around the house, engage them in the management of your family’s recycling. Sorting games are a fun way to teach them about the different categories of recycling, in a safe, clean way. Then, when they are ready, start establishing a routine by getting them to help sort your household’s recyclables.

This also doubles as a way to give them a headstart on learning how to take care and responsibility for themselves which is a vital life skill!

Looking for a childcare centre that values environmental awareness?

At Little Miracles, we believe it is never too early to start teaching kids about the importance of looking after the environment. That’s why we regularly include recycling activities for preschoolers – like those mentioned above – in our daily plans. And we make them fun!

For more information on our centres, or to discuss enrolling your child, contact our friendly team today!