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Sparking Creative Expression Through Community Connections: The Trash Art Project

Children's art projects

You are here

Jennalee Johnson

As I push open the classroom door and slide in a heavy black garbage bag, I’m spotted immediately.

“She’s here! Jennalee saw Kaelyb!” Lilah calls from across the room.

Noah leaves the block area to grab hold of the bag and pull it across the floor to the art table. “Miles, help!” he says. “This is heavy.”

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Photograph: courtesy of author. Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC.org/resources/permissions.

Audience: Faculty, Teacher

Age: Early Primary, Infant/Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool

Topics: Child Development, Social and Emotional Development, EYC, Subject Areas, Creative Arts, Art, Science

Jennalee Johnson

Jennalee Johnson, MSEd, is a 4K educator with the school district of Fort Atkinson in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. She is dedicated to fostering play-based learning environments that support children’s development and strengthen social and emotional literacy skills.