School Remote/Virtual Learning Resources
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Presentations and Support Are Available for the Following:
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Contact Information: If you have questions, need support, or are interested in booking a virtual program, please contact John Jose, School Zero Waste Coordinator, at 802-461-9246 or [email protected] |
Virtual Readings (K-2)
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Book readings generally run 20-25 minutes, which includes time for Q & A and sharing by students. Books are read in an engaging manner and presented in a slideshow fashion, with each slide representing two open pages of a book. Zoom is the primary platform used to deliver a reading, but, if needed, 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 that sustains us all. Compost! Growing Gardens From Your Garbage by Linda Glaser Explains the cyclic nature of going from raising vegetables and flowers in a home garden, to eating the vegetables, to composting leftover food scraps, to using the compost to grow more flowers and vegetables, and so on. The story is told through a young girl whose family engages in backyard gardening and composting. Ties in nicely with a classroom unit with a focus 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 see value in his stuff and life is better without so many things cluttering his home. Pinch joins his neighbors in donating his 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 the money raised goes to planting 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?" (i.e. 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, when determining if they are trash, recycling, or suitable for a food scrap bucket. These check-ins can be particularly useful where lunch is taking place in classrooms, due to the pandemic, and can help make separating lunchtime waste a smoother, more sustainable 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 op-tions 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 teacher interested in a presentation to support a classroom subject/unit you are teaching, please call 802-461-9246 or email your request to [email protected]. Finding & Using Scientific Information to Help Protect the Earth is an example of a program developed to support a teacher in addressing particular learning standards. This program provides a broad overview on finding good, 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 stud-ents, Green Teams, and other groups working on initiatives to better manage and reduce solid waste (recyclables, trash, and food scraps) generated in schools.
Pictured are members of the 2021-22 Montpelier High School Earth Group. The students supported the work of the CVSWMD Additional Recycling Collection Center (ARCC) by disas-sembling VHS tapes turned into the ARCC for recycling. |
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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.
