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Lesson 19 • Garden skills & food

Build with Recycled Materials

Sort safe found materials and help build a useful garden system.

Classroom lesson: Recycling Activities in the Garden - Part 2

Today I can…

choose a safe material and help build something for the garden.

Words to know

Our five words

RECYCLEBUILDSTRONGCONNECTCHECK

Follow along

What we will do

  1. 1

    Sort

    Choose safe, clean materials that can be reused.

  2. 2

    Pick a job

    Choose planter, sign, watering tool, or organizer.

  3. 3

    Plan

    Arrange pieces before connecting them.

  4. 4

    Build

    Hold, connect, direct, or decorate with adult support.

  5. 5

    Test

    Check edges, strength, labels, and how it works.

Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC

Tell us what you need

Choose a word when you are ready.

BUILDHOLDCONNECTDECORATECHECK
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety

Materials

  • Clean approved reclaimed materials
  • Finished example or picture plan
  • Safe fasteners
  • Tape or hook-and-loop
  • Nontoxic decorating supplies
  • Quality-check card

Safety first

Adults reject glass, sharp metal, splintered wood, chemical containers, and unstable pieces. Adults handle cutting, drilling, and powered tools.

Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.

Objectives by House

House 1

Students will choose a material or building role and participate in one action.

House 2

Students will sort safe/unsafe examples and connect or place one component.

House 3

Students will follow a three-step build and complete a simple strength check.

House 4 & 5

Students will plan, assemble, test, and improve a functional reclaimed garden item.

Access supports

Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.

Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.

Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.

Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.