by Freyda Tartak

Created on: July 20, 2010   Last Updated: July 21, 2010

Teaching preschoolers to recycle is a very simple task. It is far easier than getting them to learn just about anything else. In fact, teaching them to let you get away with not recycling the odd thing is the hard part.

Kids Know Categories

You see, kids love to sort and compartmentalize. For them, there is so much to absorb, especially at the preschool age, that they readily grasp on to this goes in the blue box, this goes in the gray box, this goes in the green box. It goes right in line with blocks go here and books go there. The key is to set a good example and be consistent.

Assume They Get It

So, let's get back to the hard part: The "why?" question. Trying to dumb down or sugar coat straight forward topics is a common mistake. It breeds confusion. In the over active imagination of a four year old there is a lot of room for misinterpretation. Err on the side of maturity. Be a straight shooter and answer questions directly and concisely. If they don't get it, you'll figure it out pretty soon. If an answer bears further explanation, tackle it then.

Go With the Picture

Be patient with your little one, after all recycling is a learning process for most adults. What isn't okay to recycle today is perfectly fine the next day, and what one town will take, another won't touch. We could all do with a little reminder once in a while, so there is nothing wrong with making up some signs or labels to post on or near the recycling box. Either use simple pictures or make it a craft project. Why not ask your little one to find pictures of different things to recycle in a magazine or newspaper and make a collage? Then, stick it up their guide for what goes where.

Be Consistent

Few people like to admit it but we all go through moments when it's much easier to just throw something in the trash. When young children see one thing and hear another they become confused. This is like letting a free radical into the equation. In the end, the hardest thing about teaching your preschooler anything is remember to not break your own rules.

Talk Through It

Actions usually speak louder than words but combining words with actions helps cement the message. Instead of just throwing your soda can in the blue box, say "let's go throw our can away in the recycle."

Fun and Rewarding Learning

You may have heard this before and it's true. Experts have found that taking the rewarding good behavior approach rather than punishing bad behavior. Focusing on the positive lets everybody move forward and not dwell on setbacks. So, rather than resorting to frustration and shouting why not make a game out of it? Try to 'get the basket' give a sticker for each good deed.

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