The Recycling Task Force of the Mississippi County Solid Waste District hopes to get the word out on recycling through magic.
Using grant money secured from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the task force is bringing the "Magic of Recycling" program to Mississippi County schools this week.
According to board member Missy Langston, the hope is to generate enthusiasm for recycling in elementary children, who will also likely encourage their parents and family members to recycle.
There will be 40-45 minute magic shows all week for children in grades kindergarten through third grade. The high-energy assembly will be at Blytheville Central Elementary at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday; at Gosnell Elementary at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., Tuesday; at Manila at 1 p.m., Tuesday; at Wilson at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday; at Osceola at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesday; at Armorel at 1 p.m., Thursday; and at Blytheville Kindergarten Center and Primary School at 12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.. Friday. The program illustrates the importance of recycling and how everyone can make a difference to save the environment.
Officials say the students will not only learn about recycling, but they will actually see recycling "magically" taking place during the show.
Organizers note the basic goal of the program is to get children excited about recycling so it is not viewed as something they have to do but something they want to do. The show tries to combine magic, storytelling, and audience participation with important educational themes aimed at creating memorable messages and having a lasting and positive impact on children.
It teaches: who should recycle; what recycling is all about; where things go when recycled; when to recycle; why recycling is important for the environment; and how to start recycling.
"The goal is to get children excited and motivated to recycle," Langston said.
Langston pointed out the program isn't costing the local schools or cities a dime. All of the funding is from the ADEQ grant that the task force uses for recycling education.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com