Why Should I Recycle?

There's not really any experimenting going on. It does foster in that it shows students asking a lot of questions.

• Author: Jen Green
• Illustrator: Mike Gordon
• Year Published: 2002
• ISBN: 0750236809

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

What if everybody threw away old bottles and newspapers, littering the world with glass and plastic and tin cans that should be recycled and made into new products? Mr. Jones is a teacher who sets a good example for kids by separating his trash for recycling. When he takes them on a class trip to a recycling plant they learn the value of recycling. Part of every child's development involves asking questions. Today, some of the most important questions kids ask are related to the natural environment. The enlightening and entertaining four-book Why Should I? series demonstrates the importance of protecting nature. Books present brief, entertaining stories that answer children's questions and feature amusing color illustrations on every page. A note at the back of each book is for parents and teachers, suggesting ways to use these books most effectively.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: Low
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: Medium
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

There's not really any experimenting going on. It does foster in that it shows students asking a lot of questions.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, in a way. The book has the little girl asking questions but students can ask themselves why she's asking those questions. Answers come from the teacher in the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes. It proactively gets them to think about the trash that they produce. The students in the books ask themselves why the teacher is recycling. It gets them to think, how does recycling help the Earth?

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes. This book is a great introductory book to recycling for the Early Childhood.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes. The teacher produces facts about recycling and consequences of not recycling. (Everything goes to the landfill!)

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, although it's a realistic fiction, it doesn't clearly state that it's factual. Students are expected to understand that the book is about a factual event. Recycling is in the real world. Not just in the book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes! There are many illustrations that go along with the text. The landfill is portrayed and there are many different visible recyclable items.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. For Kindergarteners, this would be a great read.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

There isn't really any multicultural components in the book but there is no stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. There is a girl student who asks a lot of questions but there is also a boy student who asks the same questions. Both genders are equally portrayed and evenly portrayed.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

Not any scholar disciplines. More so advocacy disciplines. It gives students the inspiration to promote recycling.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

It presents a positive outlook on the Earth. We want to keep the Earth healthy and this is a way to do so.