Upcycling and personal growth

Upcycling means taking something that would be thrown away and making it into something more useful or beautiful. A jar becomes a lantern, a pallet becomes a bench, a worn shirt becomes a bag. It is different from recycling, which breaks materials down to make new ones; upcycling keeps the object and gives it a new life. It is also the idea behind the name of this site: taking what has been learned, and making it better for the next person.

Why it is good for learning and growth - Creativity and problem-solving. You start with a constraint, and have to think what it could become. - Practical skills. Measuring, cutting, joining, sewing, painting. - Patience and persistence. Projects go wrong and need rethinking. See perfectionism. - A sense of capability. Finishing something real feels good, especially for children who find school hard. - Care for the environment. Reusing things is a concrete way to talk about waste and resources. - Calm. Absorbing hands-on activities can be relaxing. The NHS suggests that creative and enjoyable activities are part of looking after mental wellbeing. This is a general benefit of hobbies, and not a proven effect of upcycling in particular.

Evidence that arts and making projects raise academic results is mixed, according to the EEF's summary on arts participation, though they have other benefits for engagement and enjoyment.

Getting started 1. Look at what you already have: jars, tins, boxes, fabric, old furniture, broken toys. 2. Start with a simple project that you can finish in an afternoon. 3. Make a space: a table, a box of tools, a place to leave things drying. 4. Look for ideas in books, library, or a community repair group. 5. Share: swap materials, and give things away that you do not use.

Project ideas to do with children - Planters: painted tins or plastic bottles for herbs or flowers. - Bird feeders from cartons. - Musical instruments from tins and rubber bands. - Dressing-up costumes from old clothes and card. - Story stones, games and puzzles from scrap wood or card. - Bags and cushions from old T-shirts and jeans. - A rainwater collector or compost bin for the garden. - Loom bracelets, from rubber bands, for fine motor practice. See everyday learning at home.

Safety Supervise children with scissors, glue, paint and any tools. Check old paint (especially on old furniture) for lead and use safe, water-based products. Wash second-hand materials.

A way of thinking The idea can apply to learning, too: nothing is wasted, and what did not work becomes material for the next attempt. See reflection.