Items Elementary Teachers Would Love to Have from Your Trash

Many people love to recycle. It is good for the environment and it can be very easy to do. What some do not think of, though, is that some of the things they throw away can be used by others. Here is a short list of items you probably throw away that Elementary school teachers would love to have.

There are the obvious things elementary classrooms can use more of. These could include crayons, finger paint, paper, and pencils. But, who would think to use plastic tops from milk, water, and soda bottles? They are great for game pieces. And, the plastic pieces are also wonderful counters for beginning math problems. Large buttons from old coats will work well for this purpose, as well.

Egg cartons have so many uses in the elementary school classroom. They can become dragons and alligators with a bit of imagination. All that is needed is a bit of glue, scissors, and a little work. They are also wonderful for starting a first garden.

Baby food jars and containers are wonderful for storage. They can be used to hold a multitude of small items. Paint, glue, seeds and buttons are all good examples. Teachers can never have too many storage containers, especially at this level.

Another wonderful item to donate to your local elementary classroom is coffee containers. They can be used to store puzzle pieces when the boxes get worn out. And, small toys will fit in them, as well. And, once a student has started their seeds in the egg cartons, they can be transplanted into coffee containers so they can grow and expand.

Old shirts and aprons can be used as smocks for art class. This will keep the children from ruining their clothing with paint that will not wash out. Parents will be very glad of this donation.

Cardboard oatmeal boxes can be used as building blocks for castle towers and also doll houses. When not used for building purposes, they can also be used for storage. Art supplies, flash cards and other small items will fit perfectly in these containers.

Another item that would be of wonderful use in an elementary classroom is plastic ice cream containers. The larger they are, the more they can hold, and the more space in the classroom will be tidy and clutter-free. Any size container will help keep items off the floor and out of the way until they are needed.

Most of our elementary teachers do not get paid near what they are worth to society. Any way we can help them by donating materials will be appreciated. Hopefully, these tips will help you help the teachers in your community.