Bystrá škôlka, Sky Park

Rescue Mission – Superheroes Against Waste

Age group: 5–10 years (can be adapted)

Activity duration: 30–45 minutes

Objective: Children will understand the importance of preventing food waste and learn simple ways to "save" food and use it meaningfully.

1. Introduction – Motivational story

I tell the children a short story:

"In the town of Tastyville, a lot of food is thrown away every day. Sad Carrot, Lonely Bread, and Forgotten Apple are waiting for someone to save them. Luckily, the Superheroes Against Waste are coming!"

Then I talk to the children using questions:

• Why is food thrown away?
• What happens to food when we throw it away?
• Is that fair?

2. Interactive game: Save the food

Materials:

• Pictures or cards of food (bread, apple, soup, banana, rice, etc.)
• 3 marked places or boxes:
  • EAT NOW
  • USE DIFFERENTLY
  • NO LONGER USABLE

Procedure: The children take turns drawing cards and deciding which category they belong to. Together, we discuss possible uses:

• Stale bread → toast
• Overripe bananas → banana cake
• Leftover rice → risotto

3. Creative activity – Come up with a "rescue recipe"

The children are divided into small groups. Each group receives a set of "leftovers" (e.g., bread + cheese + tomato) and comes up with:

• The name of the dish
• The preparation method
• An explanation of why they are not creating waste in this way

They can draw or write down the result.

4. Movement game – Quick sorting

I spread pictures of food around the room. When I give the signal, the children run and sort each picture into the appropriate category (eat / use differently / throw away). The game is played at a pace that encourages participation and fun.

5. Conclusion – Superhero pledge

Each child completes their own pledge:

"I promise to..."

Examples:

• ...eat what I put on my plate
• ...only take as much as I can eat
• ...not throw away an apple just because it has a small spot
• ...help prepare meals from "leftovers"

At the end, each child will receive a small "Superhero Against Waste" sticker or badge as a symbol of their commitment.

Additional tips

For younger children (5–7 years): Emphasize the story and movement elements, simplify the discussion.

For older children (8–10 years): Expand on the ecological context (where waste goes, how it decomposes, impact on nature).

Variation: The activity can be expanded to include tasting "rescued" dishes or gradually introducing a specific recipe.