More Than Shreds of Fun

It's Scott from Brick by Brick. I love to repurpose materials—use materials in ways different from their intended purpose. 

I really love to use things that would otherwise be thrown away -- being purposeful and resourceful and keeping things out of the dumpster. This activity is certainly one of those.

We made bottle collages with shredded paper and water bottles. The basic resources for this fun exploration are things that would be discarded anyway. 

Clean and dry your bottles before using.

This shredded paper was leftover meeting materials. But you could shred bulk mail or any paper that was no longer needed. 

Or how about shredding old artwork - abandoned drawing or paintings that no one wants. Shred that colorful paper and use it in a new art experience.

Or shred construction paper scraps or other leftover paper from around the classroom. Purchase scrapbook paper from the dollar store or a garage sale and shred it.

Kids can stuff the bottles with as much or as little paper as they choose. We added stickers on the outside of the bottles, too.

You could add letters or words or small pictures to hide in the shredded paper. Then you have a different kind of "I Spy" bottle.

No matter how you shred it or stuff it, our kids had a great time exploring this activity. And at a cost of next to nothing. 

That's why I love repurposing, reusing, and recycling!