When I was first sent a press release about kids in early childhood programs recycling, I asked myself how this would be different than recycling for kids of all ages?

Be really careful when handling glass.

Sort the plastics based on the number you see on the bottom of the container.

The process of recycling is preschool stuff, so next we ask why more people aren’t recycling? Not having curbside recycling is not an excuse, take it to River Valley Recycling.

Recycling is for the kids. It help the kids have a cleaner world when they get to the age of their parents and are raising our grandchildren.

The press release was about a program designed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is written for the youngsters so parents (and teachers) do not have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out games, ideas for motivating the kids to recycle and even craft ideas. Fun environmental projects, imagine that?

For example, a dozen craft ideas for using egg cartons or puppets (always a class favorite) out of used envelopes, cardboard tubes or cereal boxes.

We loved the long list of links on the site in addition to many PDF documents you can download. Start by clicking here: http://www.dnr.wi.gov/eek/teacher/weerecyclers.htm

Best of all, it provides simple explanations (at their comprehension level) of how this system of recycling stuff works.

The daughter and I work with a group of 4-year-olds each week and the subject of saving God’s earth has come up multiple times.

Making a game of any part of the recycling process or using a game of Duck Duck Goose to learn the Bible verse of the week makes the process go smoother.

Wee bowling using recycled 2-liter pop bottles, sparkles, oil and water with food coloring in it is among their favorites.