Worms and Compost!

Last week we introduced some new creatures to the classroom- our WORMS!  The children have been very excited to observe the worms and ask some questions about these unique creatures.  While it is obvious we enjoy animals in the classroom (hopefully you have seen the new fish tank set ups), we brought the worms in with a purpose - to become a part of our experience with compost.  The children have been exploring new foods (please look out for our Regie Rainbow post in the very near future) and we have started some cooking explorations in the classroom.  Rather than wasting the food scrapes we wanted to find a way to use them.  To encourage recycling, we will begin to explore composting.  Our hope is to use the compost in the near future, as we begin exploring plants and the garden.

We introduced the children to worms at group time.  They had an opportunity to observe and touch the worms (if they wanted).  We are working really hard to use gentle touches and be kind to these living creatures, while putting on our brave face.  Later the children observed the worms moving across the table and began to generate some questions.  We have introduced some videos of worms in motion and the children have even tried slithering like worms.  The children are very intrigued by what the worms eat.  We have added some cucumber slices, melon pieces and cardboard/paper to our compost.  We will continue to explore what creates the best compost and what the worms like the most.

Some of the questions we have are:

1. Are worms insects?
2. Do worms have legs?
3. What do worms eat?
4. How do worms move?

We will be looking to the Pre-K and Kindergarten class for some answers, as they have been studying worms and are quite knowledgeable.  We looking forward to the collaboration soon and to continue our adventures in composting!