Grades PreK–2 Activities

Activities for grades PreK–2 offer fun and engaging ways to help children ages 3 to 7 understand the importance of recycling and how to recycle the right way. Each activity stands alone, so you can have children do one, two, or all three.

All materials have been carefully developed by teachers with age-appropriate vocabulary and visuals:

  • Watch & Listen videos about recycling and what household items can be recycled
  • Quick-Start Challenges such as a puzzle or game
  • Active Learning Together activities that one or more family members can participate in with the child
Parent working with children

Watch & Listen

5-10 Minutes

Introduction to Recycling Video

Introduce recycling with this brief age-appropriate video. Parent tips provide ideas for discussing the video with your child.

Discussion Questions

Person showing recycling examples

Quick-Start Challenge

10-15 Minutes

What Can We Recycle?

Have your child view pictures of common household items and identify the ones that should not be recycled.

Worksheet Answer Key

Example flyer

Active Learning Together

15–30 minutes

Recycling Together

Read this engaging story aloud with your child to see how a raccoon family learns about recycling, how to recycle correctly, and why it is important.

Story Discussion Questions

Cartoon raccoons