The 20-minute Makeover

Encouraging young people to care for the earth is like telling them to do their homework; it works best when you don’t sound preachy. One way to make earth friendliness fun is by organizing a trash clean up day at your local park. To avoid the complaints, call it a “twenty-minute makeover” and remind learners that it’s a break from sitting in class.

What’s that Trash?
Using realia in the classroom is a great way to help learners remember vocabulary that they might not find in books. Finding realia outside of the classroom is even better. On a nice day, walk your students down to the nearest park or schoolyard. Take two large garbage bags and a few plastic bins (for recyclables).

Here are some unfamiliar words your students may come across during the trash cleanup/makeover:

Trash Vocabulary
lids
straws
crumpled napkins
grocery flyers
bottle caps
cigarette butts
wrappers
food packaging

When you return to class make a list of all of the garbage you collected. This is a great way to introduce synonyms.
For example:
garbage=trash, waste, litter; soda can=tin of pop, can of pop, carbonated beverage; lid=top; trash can=garbage can, garbage receptacle, waste basket…

Adopt a Park
If your students enjoy getting out of the class, consider adopting a park or section of your school’s neighbourhood. Once a month, take your students out and give your designated area a 20 minute makeover. Challenge each student to find a piece of trash that they do not know the name for. Have students describe the unknown trash.

Tips for Keeping it Green:

• Have each student bring in a pair of reusable gardening gloves rather than using disposable gloves.
• Don’t be tempted to hand out a bunch of garbage bags. Place one or two bags in a central location, along with a bin for recyclables.
• Mix things up by inviting another class (or the whole school) to join in. Students will enjoy the new company and will be more open to participating.
• Create incentive by assigning teams. Whichever group brings back the least amount of trash has to haul the garbage and recyclables back to the school.

Image: marsdd