Let's Make a Bag!
Activity - Classroom
GradesK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Visual and Performing Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by PBS Kids
What it is
- In this activity, students can make their own reusable bags by repurposing an old t-shirt.
- Students will learn that recycling old t-shirts and using reusable bags at the store can help reduce waste.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This activity empowers students to take action and recycle and repurpose old clothes.
- The activity is fun and allows students to personalize their own designs.
Prerequisites
- Teachers and students will need old t-shirts, chalk or fabric pencils, fabric scissors, and a ruler to make the bags. Donation stores would be a good place to find used shirts if the students do not have any.
- Teachers will need wax crayons, an iron and ironing board, newspaper and plain paper, and printouts of the various character designs for the optional bag decorations.
- Students will need extra instruction on how to safely use fabric scissors because they are very sharp, and adults are needed for the iron-on decoration.
Differentiation & Implementation
- The activity can be used in a lesson about taking action for the climate and reducing waste.
- Students can personalize their designs by choosing a character printout or by creating and decorating the bags with their own designs, fabrics, or materials.
- Buttons, zippers, and snaps can also be incorporated into this project for more advanced students.
- Have students present their t-shirt bag to the class or put them all on display for a week to showcase them to the school.
- Younger students can work in pairs or in groups to help complete the different steps of the project.
- Try pairing this activity with these upcycling projects or with this digital picture book about waste.
From the scientist review
The resource is creative and is suitable to guide students to create a cloth bag, so as to limit plastic pollution. This is a good recycling lesson and it is recommended for the classroom.
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