Creating Worlds of Wonder with Recyclables

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure and we have many educators who can take recycled materials and turn their classrooms into worlds for exploration and imagination.

“Where Imaginations Smile” oozes from the pores of preschool educators, Carla and Sherri at the Trites Road campus and they are prime illustrators of leading by example for the children in their care.

Carla and Sherri take recycled materials such as cardboard, insulating fabric, plastics, carboard tubes, foam board etc and create “theme zones” in their classroom to support the learning and interests of the children. They are also demonstrating to the children that used materials can be repurposed, taking on another function other than what it was intended for.

Children are also encouraged and supported in exploring and experimenting with materials through trial and error, leading them to become manufacturers of their own ideas and taking their creativity to a higher level. Being able to create projects that are complex and meaningful to them is dependant on having access to materials and the space to create.

Research has proven that if we want to raise kids to be independent thinkers and change-makers, one of the best things we can do is give them the tools to figure stuff out for themselves. These children are developing math skills, creative thinking, problem solving while learning about social responsibility.