Explorers@Makers with the theme of “Recyclables” was a huge success thanks to the active participation of our members! The main objective of the event was to firstly, curate a collage using recyclables and to secondly, create a learning corner activity.
Prior to the activities, we prepped our items and ensured easy accessibility for our participants. There were recyclables such as toilet rolls, egg cartons, bottle caps and many more. With an array of objects to select from, this ensures variety and encourages creativity amongst our participants.
Firstly, we conducted the collage making. With a small piece of cardboard, we had around 15 minutes to collate our items and complete the collage. Our participants had different ideas. They truly showcased their creativity. Natasha made a frame that looked like a television. It made me realise how we could incorporate simple daily items into the dramatic play corner. Aamor made a colourful photo frame which included unique elements like bread tags. Joylyn drew a portrait of “Blobby” with chopsticks surrounding it as a boarder while Megan drew a mountain surrounded by reflective caps and chopsticks. Through this activity, it showcases the variety of ways that children may decorate a collage. This further emphasises on the importance of accessibility of materials. Therefore, college making using recyclables was a huge success as our participants brought their unique frames home.
For the second activity, we chose to focus on Numeracy. In this activity, we used an egg carton, coloured bottle caps (red and blue), chopsticks and a black marker. There are numbers written on the egg carton from 1 to 30. It is a game of addition and subtraction. The targetted age group is for 5-6 years old children (K2).
This activity is played by two players. Player 1 may choose a red bottle cap while player 2 may select a blue bottle cap. Player 1 throws the red bottle cap into the egg carton and vice versa. Players may then utilise the chopsticks as counters to add or subtract the numbers accordingly.
We found this addition and subtraction game very interesting as firstly, it is simple to store this game. Placed inside a box, it can be simply organised and stored. Next, there is flexibility in the game to ensure that it can be played countless of times. With numeracy concepts of both addition and subtraction, children may strengthen their ability. However, we noted that it would be useful to add a small whiteboard with markers as children write down their learning process. It will be easier to visualise the numbers.
Overall, this event has been an enriching session with meaningful discussions on how recyclables can be incorporated into their classrooms. As participants brought their collage home, we hope that it would serve as a reminder on how simple recyclables can be utilised to enhance children’s learning. We hope to see you again!
With Love,
Megan (COL-laborator)