Teaching with trash

A free workshop held in Orewa this month demonstrated how recycling can have big spin offs for early childhood centres, as well as the environment – increasing the opportunities for fun and learning at low cost.

Teacher Adam Buckingham began building things out of recycled materials six years ago and to date has made more than 450 objects for early childhood centres, in the process diverting around 7700 kg of solid waste from landfill.

Around 35 early childhood teachers came from centres on the Hibiscus Coast, Kumeu and Warkworth to attend the workshop, held at Hibiscus Coast Kindergarten and funded by Rodney District Council’s Environmental Education Fund.

The presentation featured many examples of play equipment made from materials that would otherwise be headed for landfill, such as motorbike or bicycle inner-tubes turned into bungie cords and cars made from boxes and steering wheels, complete with mirrors and lights.

Adam says the items engage children because they use familiar objects. Children can also assist teachers to make things from recycled materials.

Info: www.reuse.schoolnet.co.nz