Sort it out
Grade 1 | Grade 2
Summary
Learn through motion and imagination. This activity helps students internalize sorting by becoming part of the process: they embody different items that the teacher calls out and go to the correct bin. It’s simple, fun, and helps to remember what goes where.
Thinking Concepts and Skills
- Recognize basic waste categories: recycling, garbage, and compost.
- Respond physically to demonstrate where items belong.
- Begin developing sorting habits through movement and play.
Lesson Materials
Matériel Pédagogique
Sorting Bingo
Students mark their cards using different colours based on which bin each item goes in: recycling, compost, or garbage.
The Good ‘Sort’ of Recycling
Sort and discuss materials as a class to learn what can go in the blue bin.
Don’t be a Litterbug
Let students get creative while learning about recycling by making bugs out of recyclables.
Colour me Blue
Have students colour and cutout pictures from the worksheet to get familiar with recyclables.
Your Recycling Journal
Have students document and reflect on their recycling habits to learn how they can improve.
Landfill Emissions
Understand landfill emissions and learn how reducing food waste can have positive effects.
Waste Audit
Measure how much waste your school is generating and identify opportunities to reduce it.
Word Search
Introduce students to common words and phrases related to recycling and environmentalism.