Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Introduce the book, ‘The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle’ by Alison Inches. Ask the child to make predictions about the story based on its front cover. For example, ‘What do you think happens in the book?’ and ‘Where do you think the plastic bottle might go?’
Step 2Ask the child if they know what plastic is and where they have seen it before. Encourage them to list some common items made of plastic.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Read ‘The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle’ aloud to the child. Pause at key points in the story to ask discussion questions such as:
- What happens to the plastic bottle after it is used?
- Why do you think it’s important to recycle the plastic bottle?
- How can we make sure plastic bottles don’t end up in the ocean?
Step 2Show pictures or samples of different packaging materials (plastic, paper, cloth) as you discuss alternatives to plastic mentioned in the story. Discuss which alternatives are better for the planet and why.
Step 3Discuss the journey of the plastic bottle in the book and compare it to what happens to plastic bottles in real life.
Step 4Discuss with the child how they can help reduce plastic waste at home. Ask questions like, ‘What can we use instead of plastic bags?’ and ‘How can we recycle more at home?’
Suggest looking for different types of packaging during your next grocery trip and discussing which are better for the environment.
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections.
Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Discuss
Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what the child has learned.
Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.
Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.
Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what was learned during the initial activity.
Set some recycling goals as a family. These could involve purchasing reusable drink bottles or making a commitment to only buy food brands that use recyclable packaging materials. You could even create a recycling chart to track and celebrate individual or team efforts to recycle more and waste less.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.