The Dollar Tree has many useful and affordable educational resources. On a teacher’s budget, even though a resource might only cost me $1, I still like to try and find ways to make the resource last a long time. This Recycle Activity Kit has been at the Dollar Tree for some time. It comes with 4 trash can shaped boards (Paper & Cardboard, Plastic, Aluminum, and Compost) and 48 stickers of many various recyclable items. If I were to use this activity without modifying it, it might only last a month in my classroom….maybe not even a month. So here are a few ways I have modified the activity to reach my students in different engaging ways!
The first and most easiest, I decided to laminate and velcro all of the items. I turned one set into a file folder, with a trash board on each page with velcro, and I also turned one set into a tangible work task bin activity. This is how the activity is intended to be used (but with reusable stickers). Adding some laminate and velcro will help this activity live a longer life!
Next, I wanted to create something more life like – inserting the items INTO a bin. This one took a little more work but it was still easy to assemble. I laminated all of the items, and then taped the trash boards onto little containers which I also purchased at the Dollar Tree. I cut the lid of the trash cans using an Xacto knife to open like a real trash can would. Now the student can place the recyclable items into the correct trash bin. I wanted to simulate something as close to life like as possible.
Here’s another way to use the recycle activity kit along with these cute “pencil holder” trash bins (also another great Dollar Tree Find).
Differentiated recycle vs trash sorting and sensory task box! ♻ I laminated the stickers from the recycle activity kit and added labels to the trash bins. I spent a few weeks collecting bottle lids & soda tabs, and then I added in some mini food erasers. Perfect for students that might have a hard time transferring their sorting skills from pictures to tactile items or vice versa.
Even if you choose not to use these as an independent work task or a file folder, they make for a great interactive small group lesson! As far as I know, the activity kits are still available at the Dollar Tree, so get yours before they’re gone!
