PreK-2nd Grade

Lessons within PreK-2nd grade build upon students’ understanding and help them gain greater awareness of the broader environmental, sustainability, and societal issues related to recycling and its role in conserving natural resources. The lessons can be taught as a unit or individually – whatever fits best for your students and your curriculum.

  • 3 unique age-appropriate lessons
  • Classroom and take-home activities
  • Teaching tools include videos, slides, and posters

Foundational Knowledge

3 Minutes

Recycling Simplified Student Video

Introduce recycling with this brief video that sets the foundation for all lessons.

Lesson 1

30-45 Minutes

Introduction to Recycling

Introduce recycling with a fun story about a family of recycling raccoons for you to read aloud and discuss with your students.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • Story
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
Teacher showing how to recycle

Lesson 2

40 Minutes

What Can We Recycle?

Expands on what is and is not recyclable. A sorting activity provides the opportunity for students to work together in small groups to identify recyclable and nonrecyclable items.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • Deck of Sorting Cards
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster

Lesson 3

60 Minutes

Recycling Stars

Students put into practice what they have learned about recycling in a hands-on activity that connects the learning to home.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
Teacher and students discussing
For Administrators

Would you like to implement this program in your school?

Educators are key to childhood success, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in and contribute to our society. We know that many lifelong beliefs and behaviors gain their foothold in adolescence. So, when you deepen your students’ understanding of the impact of recycling, you are helping shape our environment and the world around us for generations to come.

Download Full Curriculum