One of the spaces in my life that I am most wasteful is definitely the classroom. I’m sure many other teachers feel the exact same way, but being in rural Alaska adds a unique element to the wastefulness of schools. We simply do not have the ability to recycle. In fact, all of the trash in my village just goes into a big metal bin that someone occasionally lights on fire. Much of the trash ends up blowing around on the tundra.
As a teacher, I am constantly making copies of things. Worksheets, tests, activities, you name it. My trashcan ends up overflowing with garbage. Because of this gross amount of waste, I’d really like to find ways to reduce trash in the classroom this year. I’m not 100% sure how I am going to do this, but I’m hoping that I can spend this summer and the time leading up to the new school year researching ways to lessen my waste.
I’m sure my students would love it if I gave them fewer worksheets, and I do actually have them do a LOT of center work and technology-based learning that doesn’t involve any paper. Let’s be real though – I teach kindergarten through 6th grade in a teeny classroom. Somedays I just need worksheets to keep my students who are working independently busy. Independent work is a huge part of my classroom set-up because of the wide gap in grade levels, and worksheets/workbooks tend to be a part of that.
I’m open to suggestions on how to limit my use of paper. I’ve been considering laminating more of my supplies to allow students to reuse worksheets from year to year. However, then I have to look seriously at laminating paper and the cost/waste involved in that. I’d love to hear other ideas that some of you might have though, so feel free to send me some!
Instead of laminating, consider getting some 8×11″ page protectors, and slipping worksheets into those; they can be stored in binders and easily accessed by your students. To write on them, they can use dry-erase markers. (if a permanent marker is accidentally used on the page protector, just color over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker and erase. I saved a white board once doing this.)
I’ve also done this with homeschooling, Karen. My kids can practice tracing maps and completing other sheets over and over with the page protectors.
Hannah – you’d still be using paper, but making sure every piece you copy gets a worksheet on both sides could cut things in half. You could also request that the kids take notes or draw for another lesson on the backside if it’s blank.
Another thing (which would require more advance work on your part) would be to have the kids copy problems or sentences from a large display onto a mini white board or even old-school slate with chalk. Not only would that take some extra time to allow you to work with others, but it’s great for dexterity and copywork/attention to detail on their part.
I’ll definitely be looking into these page protectors! I’m thinking wet-erase markers might be best. Then, the kids can still put stuff in the turn in box without their answers wiping off.
Ask the kids cor ideas. Theres a movement called Eco Schools which my son’s schoop got involved with and the kids fhemselves came up with some great idea.
If you do crafts you could use those old sheets of paper for making recycled paper or for ppier mache models.
I just looked up Eco Schools and it looks fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
Write and wipe pockets work the same as laminating but you don’t have the work of laminating and they can be used over and over.
I think the page protectors are a great suggestion!
Once that paper is written on, both side etc; consider composting it. If you don’t already compost, it’s a big step, but if you do, it’s an option in some quantities.
Composting is something I’m very interested in trying out this year. We have a HUGE bear problem though and I can’t really put anything outside. Any suggestions for an indoor set-up?
Maybe try vermicomposting? I’ve never done it myself, but I know some people keep it under their kitchen sink.
Vermicomposting is something I do really want to look into. I’m glad you reminded me!
I want to agree with using sleeves, not laminating. My husband teaches, so I see how often something that he thinks is “permanent” is superseded. Then you’re burning plastic as well as paper.
Yeah, the burning plastic had me scratching my head. I really wish we had a way to recycle things. I hate just throwing things in the trash, and burning papers is much better than burning plastic.
Have you looked into technology grants for iPads or laptops? It seems you would be a great candidate!
I actually do have technology available for my students, however, because of the wide range of grades I teach (K-6) I only end up with about 20-30 minutes of direct instruction per subject with each grade and then I have to fill 1-2 hours of independent work time for them after that. I use technology for about 30 minutes of that, but I don’t really like to have them “plugged in” more than that.
I am always looking for new apps to use though! Any good suggestions?