Introducing some waste-inspired activities can help children learn about reusing, recycling and disposal. Marianne Sargent suggests a range of approaches.

Rubbish is a broad topic, with scope for capitalising on a range of interests, from large vehicles and machinery to sparkly crafts. There is a wealth of rubbish-inspired activities that involve reusing, recycling and inventive disposal. Here are just a few:

Set up a role-play household waste-sorting site.

Adult role

Learning opportunities

CL: Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.

UW: Shows care and concern for the environment.

EAD: Introduces a storyline or narrative into their play.

Read The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers. It is about a group of animals who live in a forest that is gradually disappearing. The children are encouraged to act as detectives throughout by spotting clues as to who the culprit might be.

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