School Remote/Virtual Learning Resources
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Presentations and Support Are Available for the Following:
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Virtual Readings (K-2)
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Book readings generally run 20-25 minutes, including Q & A and student sharing. Books are read in an engaging manner and presented in a slideshow fashion. Zoom is the primary platform used to deliver a reading, but other platforms can be utilized.
I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle by Alison Inches Covers different aspects of leading a “green”, sustainable lifestyle. This is really a wonderful, inspiring little book about Max, the little green monster, making many changes in his day-to-day life, for the betterment of himself and the planet. Compost! Growing Gardens From Your Garbage by Linda Glaser Explains the cyclic nature of raising vegetables and flowers in a garden, eating the vegetables, composting leftover food scraps, and finally using the compost to grow more flowers and vegetables. The story is told through a young girl. Ties in nicely with a classroom unit focusing on plants. Stuff! by Steven Kroll Pinch the pack rat holds tight to all his “stuff”. But by participating in a tag sale, Pinch realizes others have use for his stuff and decluttering makes life better. Pinch and his neighbors donate their tag sale money to buy trees to beautify their community. He then invites his pack rat relatives to sell their stuff at a tag sale and use the money to plant more trees. A nice book about transforming habits and views for the betterment of oneself and achieving a greater good. |
Teacher Feedback:
"It was a great session.Thank you. We all really enjoyed your story, and your awesome discussion points. It was one of our best virtual experiences so far. I really like the platform you used for reading the book. It was excellent. We are so lucky to have community partners like you." Susan Koch, First Grade Teacher, Union Elementary School "Thank you so much for continuing to offer your services this year! I've appreciated having that connection. The kids enjoyed having a special reader as well. We did continue the conversation each time after you left the zoom lesson and the kids 'got it'. We brainstormed a list of things we have at home that we possibly no longer need or want and have ideas of what to do with those things. The kids are really excited!" Rebecca Emerson, Kindergarten Teacher, Twinfield Union School "Thanks again for another great lesson! The kids loved the book and always enjoy chatting with you!" Vanessa Weinstein, Kindergarten Teacher, Union Elementary School |
"Where Does that Plastic Fork Go?" (Classroom Waste Separation Check-ins):
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Through a brief, virtual check-in, we review any items you and your students are un-certain about whether they belong in trash, recycling, or a food scrap bucket. These check-ins can be particularly useful if lunch is eaten in classrooms, due to the pandemic, and can make separating lunchtime waste a smoother undertaking for everyone. Suitable for all grade levels. |
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"Blue Bin" Recycling at Home and In School (Upper Elementary & MS):
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A 3-part series of 25-minute presentations broken out into three main categories of recyclables: Paper, plastic, and glass and metal combined. Presentations include not only how to "recycle right", but also other options to live more sustainably, including reusing, repurposing, etc. A brief assessment and a certificate of completion, for participating students, can be included with each presentation.
Teacher Feedback:
"These lessons are so important for kids to learn how they can be stew-ards of their land in Vermont. As 4th graders are the oldest in the school, they are ready for more responsibility. John's virtual presentations were so engaging and lively. The quizzes at the end were interactive and gave great closure. We felt like he was right in the room with us, and now we are having wonderful discussions about recycling in class!" Melissa Pierce, Fourth Grade Teacher, Union Elementary School |
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Programs Tailored to a Specific Topic (Upper Elementary & MS):
If you are interested in a customized presentation to support a classroom subject/unit you are teaching, please contact John Jose. Finding & Using Scientific Information to Help Protect the Earth was developed to support a teacher in addressing particular learning standards. This program provides a broad overview on finding reliable sources of scientific information with a focus on governmental sources, highlighting the Central VT Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) as an example. Includes discussion on how CVSWMD obtains and shares scientific information (including through our collaborative work with schools), and how accurate scientific information can be utilized to inform our individual and collective efforts to protect the Earth.
Individual Student & Group Support:
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Support is available for individual students, Green Teams, and other groups working on initiatives to better manage and reduce solid waste in schools.
Pictured are members of the 2021-22 Montpelier High School Earth Group disassembling VHS tapes for a special recycling program |
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Pre-recorded Presentations on "Blue Bin" Recycling at Home and in School:
Recorded webinars on "blue bin" recycling the right way! We recommend downloading these videos to optimize your viewing experience.
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Repurpose Crafts for All Ages:
Materials: paper egg carton, scissors, soil/compost, seeds
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Materials: magazines, scissors, marker, toothpick/straw/smooth pen, school glue or glue stick
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Materials: Milk carton, xacto knife, scissors, printed template, pen
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Materials: large bin, scrap non-glossy paper, screen (craft screen, window screen, silkscreen, etc.), cardboard or newspaper for drying
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Some of Our Favorites from Around the Web:
We've gathered some additional resources and videos:
The Story of Stuff
These excellent short movies take a look into the impacts of our consumer culture-and how to change it.
CSWD's Virtual MRF Tour
A close look at what happens to Vermont blue-bin recycling at one of two Materials Recovery Facilities in Vermont.
Vermont Community Garden Network's Learning in the Garden
A comprehensive directory of garden-based curriculum and activities.
These excellent short movies take a look into the impacts of our consumer culture-and how to change it.
CSWD's Virtual MRF Tour
A close look at what happens to Vermont blue-bin recycling at one of two Materials Recovery Facilities in Vermont.
Vermont Community Garden Network's Learning in the Garden
A comprehensive directory of garden-based curriculum and activities.
