The big ideaOld things can be mended, used in a new way, or passed on.
How it works
Old does not always mean finished.
Kit found three ways to give a thing a second life: mend it, give it a new job, or pass it on.
Reusing means fewer new things are made, and that is kind to our planet. Nobody has to be perfect, and every little bit helps.
Old thing, second life.
Example 1: Mend it
A sock has a hole, so a bright patch covers it.
Teddy's ear hangs by a thread, so his ear is sewn back on.
A grown-up does the part with the sharp needle, and Kit holds Teddy still.
Example 2: A new job
An empty jam jar is rinsed until it sparkles.
Kit paints stars on it, and it becomes a pencil pot.
The big box becomes a house for Bun's toys.
🫙empty jar🌟paint stars✏️pencil pot
A jar gets a new job.
Example 3: Pass it on
Kit's coat is too small, because he has grown and the coat has not.
Dot the duck is smaller than Kit, so the coat fits her perfectly.
A finished book, a puzzle you have outgrown and shoes that are too small can go to a friend too.
Words to know
mend
To fix something that is torn or loose.
reuse
To use a thing again, in a new way.
pass it on
To give a thing to a friend it fits.
planet
Our Earth, where we all live.
Watch out
A sock or a teddy that can be mended does not need the bin.
A sharp needle is for a grown-up. A loose button can be sewn on with a grown-up.
A coat that is too small is not broken, so it can be passed on.
Only clean, empty jars and tins make good pencil pots.
Try it
What are the three ways to give a thing a second life?
A sock has a hole. What can we do?
An empty jam jar can get what new job?
Your coat is too small. What can you do?
Answers: 1. mend it, give it a new job, or pass it on · 2. mend it with a patch · 3. a pencil pot · 4. pass it on to a friend it fits
Try at homeWith a grown-up, find one old thing at home and decide whether to mend it, give it a new job, or pass it on to a friend.
For grown-upsPick one old thing at home together and decide: mend it, give it a new job, or pass it on. Keep the sharp needle for yourself, and let your child hold, rinse and paint.
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