OTC Early Childhood Education Center kiddos are all about “going green” this week. And no, it’s not for St. Patrick’s Day. These 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds can tell you the difference between paper, plastic and metal, and they know how to recycle all three materials.
All week long, Ms. Susan and Ms. Megan’s preschoolers are discovering the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling everyday items to take care of our planet. And today, a guest speaker from City of Springfield’s Department of Environmental Services spoke to the students about the recycling process. She also brought fun games, stickers and wristbands for the kids.
“We are dedicated to helping citizens of all ages learn how to preserve and protect our natural resources,” said Laurie Duncan, City of Springfield education outreach specialist. “By recycling, we can keep at least 50 percent of used materials out of landfills.”
The preschoolers, armed with small pieces of paper, plastic and aluminum, held up the piece that correctly matched the recyclable item in Ms. Laurie’s hands. They also sorted a basket of items, racing to place bottles, cans and newspapers in the proper bins.
“It’s been a great week,” said Susan Forte, OTC Early Childhood Education teacher. “The kids are excited to share what they’ve learned with their parents. And, as it turns out, we’re learning just as much as the kids, if not more.”
Laurie Duncan added, “By teaching the basic concepts of recycling to young children, we are helping them develop positive habits that will not only impact their generation but also future generations.”
