Need Recycling Activities for Elementary Students?

You’re in the right place! We’ve been putting together some fantastic resources to guide your instruction surrounding recycling and conservation.

This Earth Science word wall provides a fun, interactive way to help young students understand the key words related to the environment.  The set contains 57 vocabulary word/picture cards that students use to identify words and ideas related to Earth Day. Students can refer to the vocabulary cards while reading or writing about the environment.

We recommend pairing your word wall with these resources to help you plan out your entire unit!

teaching resource

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Earth Day Foldables

Display different ways to conserve resources with a set of fun recycling–based foldable interactive notebook templates.

teaching resource

Reduce Reuse Recycle! - Printable Earth Day Read-Alouds

Teach your students to reduce, reuse, and recycle with a printable 3 Rs Mini-Book.

teaching resource

Trash, Recycle, or Compost Sorting Activity

Learn about recycling, composting, and sustainable practices for waste management with a fun sorting activity.

Display the vocabulary cards on the board or in a pocket chart and discuss them with your scholars. Once they are familiar with the concept of recycling and the terms used, play word games to practice their new vocabulary!

Through this activity, students will increase their vocabulary and build skills in writing sentences with academic language.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Writing lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this Earth Day resource to enhance learning through guided writing groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by completing the vocabulary discussion and worksheets in a small group setting.

Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, posters, and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage your fast finishers to use their newfound vocabulary to make anchor charts or write books about Earth Day.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

Print the vocabulary cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

This resource was created by Samantha Rose, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator.