Welcome to my new weekly series ‘Recycled Play'. Regular readers of this blog will know that I have a passion for play but I also have a passion for ensuring parents and educators understand that play doesn't have to be expensive. You don't need all the latest equipment and well marketed toys!
This series is all about inspiring you to discover a love of recycled or upcycled play – each week I will be taking you on a journey through ideas and projects to try for yourself…projects that will not only save you money but provide the kids with hours of fun.
The ideas I have chosen from around the web and from my own blog range from very easy to ‘you possibly might need a patient handyman/woman! There is something for everyone each week though I promise!
I'm not going to keep you waiting, let's begin our journey through Week 1 – Outside Fun! To learn more about each project just click on the photo or highlighted text under each photo. I've also included a few of my favourites from Facebook! If you are an early years educator and want even more ideas and tips for incorporating sustainability into play and environments you might like to check out my online training workshop on this very topic!
Ready to be inspired to recycle for play? Let's go!
DIY Sand and Water Table Tutorial – Child at Heart
Large Outdoor Scales – The Empowered Educator
Pool Noodle Abacus – Happy Hooligans
Pallet Sand Kitchen – The Empowered Educator
Pallet Outdoor Sink – The Empowered Educator
Giant Reclaimed Wooden Blocks – Filth Wizardry
Water Bottle Wind Spirals – Happy Hooligans
DIY Scoops and Sieves – Playful Learners
Upcycled Chair Swing – This DIY Life
Milk Carton Watering Cans – The Empowered Educator
Drop Side Cot to Outdoor Play Tent – Craftser Forum
Recycled Door Playhouse – Play Scapes
DIY Climbing Trestles & Planks – The Empowered Educator
DIY Water Wall – Tinkerlab
Pallet Market Stall/Shop – The Empowered Educator
Mud Pie Kit – Kids Activities Blog
Pallet Garden Planter – The Empowered Educator
Make your own crane – At Home with Ali
DIY Upcycled Uids Corner Bench – My Repurposed Life
Outdoor Blackboard – The Empowered Educator
Homemade Wind Chimes – Hands on as we Grow
Recycled Seat Bus – The Empowered Educator
DIY Wooden Roads and Ramps – Buggy and Buddy
Tin Can Stilts – There's just one Mommy
Pallet Blocks – The Empowered Educator
Facebook Inspiration!
Bamboo Planters – Renata's Family Day Care
Cable Reel Makeover – Jumping Jellybeans Family Day Care
Recycled Village – Puzzles Family Day Care
Outdoor Scales – Baxter Kindergarten & Children's Centre
Want more ideas for turning recycled materials into learning resources and play experiences? You'll love the E-book Incorporating Sustainable Practice & Use of Natural Materials. Available to download to your computer or device right now!
A Little About Me
Jodie Clarke is an early childhood professional supporting educators who want and need to stay passionate about the work they do! She has 30 years hands-on experience in the early childhood and human services sectors across many different roles.
Jodie is mum to 3 in Australia and has already helped thousands of educators with their work through her popular blog posts, activity ideas, online training and e-books.
thank you for the mention. What a great resource you have put together
Oh, I love the scales! We need to make one here!
Thanks so much for sharing our recycled tin can stilts. We have certainly had fun with them!
So many creative ideas! Love all the inspiration for getting the kids outside 🙂
Thanks Jacquie – we do absolutely love our outdoor play!!!
Hey girl! Thank you for sharing my sand and water table…what a great list! 🙂
Hey Jode! There are so many creative DIY. What a wonderful list!. These are really worth sharing. Gonna make some of them for my little kids.
Cool. 🙂