Etzim loves to recycle, but what's the bigger picture?

Over the past two weeks in the Etzim classroom, we have transformed our dramatic play area into a recycling center.  As a class, we have researched on the internet Needham's recycling policies, and learned how to locate recycling numbers on the bottom plastics to find out if they are acceptable for our bins.

During our circle time, we have had open discussion on what is recycling, how can we recycle at school, and how are we effecting the environment around us when we recycle.  The Etzim class has learned that they are helping to take care of the world around them through the simple practice of being mindful to reuse and recycle. 

Today, we took a deep exploration in talking about what else do we do at school that helps us to take care of, and repair the world around us.

At our school, we help women who don't have enough to eat, by making our casseroles for Rosie's place.  We are planting, and taking care of trees for our upcoming celebration of the holiday Tu b'shevat.  We recycle at home, and at school to reduce the waste we put out into the world.

Tikkun Olam, is the hebrew phrase meaning, "to repair" or "to heal" the world, and this practice is something that the Etzim children are thoroughly excited to expand on in our upcoming weeks!

Today during circle we read the book, Tikkun Olam Ted and many children noticed, they do a lot of similar activities at home, and at school that were mentioned in this book!

 We are looking forward to talking in circle tomorrow, our next Etzim endeavor into repairing our world!  Make sure to pop in to the Etzim classroom to find out what our next project for Tikkun Olam is!