Kids Can Learn to Recycle Reduce Reuse in a Fun Way - 2009 Ever wonder what to do with the "stuff" that is left-over when you finish an craft project. Stuff like yarn, felt, fabric scraps, snippets of scrap booking paper, or old buttons collecting dust in a tin, - those things just a bit too small to use. Well, here's an idea! Why not donate them to a school. Teachers, like myself, are always looking for items to incorporate into their lessons. Varying the materials that are used to teach will provide a full sensory experience and make learning more hands-on and fun. I have often wondered what happens to all those beautiful ribbons and bows that are left after the baby show or wedding is over. What happens to all the beautiful tissue paper and wrapping paper our guest carefully selected for that special gift. Even the greeting cards that accompanied the gift can be recycled. These are all items that can be recycled, reused and even "up cycled" to create lasting art. I currently teach at a Fine Arts public elementary school where we believe that, if it is "safe" and not nailed down our students can turn it into art. Most of the students at my school live in low-income households and can not always afford to purchase school supplies. Hence, it is so important for our teachers, who often reach into their own pockets, to think creatively when taking on various projects. I try to recycle on a daily basis and teach my students about the importance and merits of recycling. Any items I have left-over from a completed projects are donated to my school. It's my way of doing something for our environment - it reduces the cost for the teacher and the kids have fun. If you are interested in donating unused craft items, that can be used by primary teachers, just contact your local elementary school.
Submitted by Neko on 11 March 2009 10:50:30
Comments
Hi Neko, that's an excellent idea, and a very satisfying one.
For years I have kept a "Womble Box" where I put any items that could be used by schools for art projects. That includes all those lovely wrapping papers (especially pretty foil ones or coloured tissue). I also save the tubes from inside paper towel rolls, fabric scraps, etc.
The only trouble is my Womble box rarely goes to a school because I end up using most of the contents myself! It's amazing how often one of my friends says "I need a piece of black silk - do you have any?" and I say, "I have just the thing in my Womble box!"
______________________________________
Underground, overground, wombling free,
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
Making good use of the things that we find,
Things that the everyday folks leave behind!
Submitted by Lindis on 12 March 2009 16:00:13
For those of you that live in Christchurch, you might be interested in Creative Junk (http://www.creativejunk.org.nz). They have heaps of recycled art supplies that are great for kids, and cheap too.
Submitted by Amy on 17 March 2009 15:44:18
Sounds like a great idea Neko!!! I am sure there are plenty of schools in New Zealand that would benefit from a donation of all those bits and pieces!
I'm a compulsive horder of all sorts of bits'n pieces because they 'might come in useful sometime'. I think it comes from my Grandad's influence, he lived through the great depression where everything was valuable and nothing was ever wasted, his resourceful habits have been passed through the generations! I remember wading through our garage one day (the car never did fit in there) and finding an astounding amount of rubber bands and old bits of string which were carefully stored away in the garage for 'the right time' - and then duely forgotten about! I think now is the 'right time' to put some of my own bits'n pieces to good use and donate them to the local school.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Submitted by Tink on 24 March 2009 12:40:25
Hi! Here’s another avenue that can help schools connect with supplies and households find a new home for their miscellaneous items! http://www.donatenz.com/
Submitted by Tink on 15 April 2009 15:26:09
Does anyone know any fun ideas to do with children while babysitting them?
Submitted by peter001 on 9 September 2009 18:23:00
How to prepare a solution to blow very light weight bubbles?
Submitted by peter001 on 9 September 2009 18:24:00
This forum gives me a great idea!
I work for an engineering firm and recently bought a number of promotional products including drink bottles, caps, mugs, plastic cups, pens, etc
The company which i ordered the products from is called Qua Promotions http://www.quapromotions.com.au it is in Melbourne, Australia. After looking on the website i discovered that you didn't need to be a big business to order a large number of products as they are reasonably cheap.
My idea is to give children drink bottles, heshion bags, plastic cups etc which are titled RE-USE or something similar
I think it's a great way to promote recycling among school children.
What are your thoughts?
Thank You
Submitted by georgehaines on 15 December 2009 17:38:42