Beach or Schoolyard Clean-Up
Environmental Stewardship
30 minutes
Whole class with adult supervision
Service
Learning Objective
Teach care for the environment through hands-on community action
Materials Needed
- Child-size gloves
- Collection bags
- Grabber tools (if available)
- First aid kit
- Sorting containers for recyclables
- Camera to document
Preparation
- 1Choose safe area for cleanup (schoolyard or accessible beach area)
- 2Arrange for adequate adult supervision
- 3Prepare safety instructions
- 4Get permission for off-site activities if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Explain safety rules: only pick up safe items, use gloves, stay with group
- 2Assign children to small groups with adults
- 3Collect litter in designated area
- 4Sort items into 'recyclable' and 'non-recyclable' containers
- 5Discuss: 'How does litter hurt plants and animals?'
- 6Celebrate the positive difference they made
Assessment
- Does the child follow safety instructions?
- Can the child identify items that don't belong in nature?
- Does the child show care for the environment?
Extensions
- Make art from clean recyclables
- Write a class letter to the community about keeping areas clean
- Create 'Keep Our Island Clean' posters
- Adopt a classroom area to keep clean regularly
Teaching Tips
- Emphasize safety throughout the activity
- Focus on the positive impact they're making
- Connect to protecting animals and plants
- Make it a celebration of caring for our environment