Earth Day is a major early elementary theme for classrooms during spring.
And, of course, one of the most important concepts we teach students in this unit is how to recycle.
If your students are new to the idea of recycling and reusing materials, this list of over 20 books about recycling for kids is a great way to get them started!
In this list of children’s books, you’ll find fiction and non-fiction selections.
There are books that talk about why recycling is important, how to recycle materials at home, and people who have made a difference in their communities by recycling.
Keep reading to see the full list.
And, for more ways to introduce recycling, check out this list of easy recycled crafts for kids to make too!
Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids
Some of the books in this list are particularly good for pre-readers and early childhood classrooms.
The lift-the-flap books and board books, such as “Find Out About: Saving Our Planet”, are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.
On the other hand, if you have early elementary students in your class, the stories “Nico’s New Necklace” and “This Class Can Save the World” are great for talking about the impact recycling can have on our planet.
How to Introduce Recycling Books to Early Learners
If you’re using these books with early learners, you might start by asking the class:
- Has anyone ever heard of recycling?
- What do you think recycling means?
- Does anyone know why recycling is important?
As students talk about this topic, you can find out what they know and then help them fill in any gaps with selected books from this list.
Be sure to encourage them to find materials they can recycle at home.
You might even ask them to bring in a few to make some recycled crafts!
Get a look at the full booklist below.
Over 20 Books about Recycling for Kids to Read
This list of books about recycling for kids features picture book selections that are perfect for early elementary students.
Use these as part of an Earth Day unit or to introduce recycling in the classroom!
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I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids (I Am Learning: Educational Series for Kids)
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul
Take a look at these other collections of children’s books!
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