Composting Fun

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is the 8th in the “Wiggly Worm Wonders” unit for kindergarten students in California. It continues exploration into composting by reading a story, fostering discussion, and engaging students in a hands-on sorting activity. By the end, students will identify compostable materials and understand the positive impact of composting on the environment.

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Standards Alignment

CA Preschool Learning Foundations & CA Common Core State Standards (Kindergarten)

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including worms) need to survive.
• Environmental Principles & Concepts: Understand natural cycles and that composting helps recycle organic material.
• ELA- Speaking & Listening (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1): Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 0 topics and texts.
• ELD Standard: ELD.PI.K.7-Participate in classroom discussions using visual supports to build comprehension.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Recognise and name common compostable materials.
• Explain why composting is good for the Earth in simple terms.
• Practice sorting materials into “Compost” and “Not Compost” categories using picture cards and real objects.
• Build early scientific observation and sorting skills.

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Materials Needed

• Picture book about composting (e.g., a simple story illustrating composting basics with worms and plants)
• Large sorting mat labeled “Compost” and “Not Compost” with colourful visuals
• Sorting cards with images of compostable and non-compostable items (fruits, vegetables, paper, plastics, metal, etc.)
• Real examples of compostable items (fruit peels, leaves, paper scraps) and non-compostable items (plastic wrapper, glass jar)
• A small classroom compost bin or clear container to show
• “Wiggly Worm Wonders” unit poster / chart for review
• Visual cue cards for ELL and special needs students with simple words and symbols
• Whiteboard and markers

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Detailed Lesson Procedures

1. Warm-Up & Review (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle. Briefly revisit the “Wiggly Worm Wonders” unit poster focusing on composting. Ask:
  • “Who remembers what composting means?”
  • “Why do worms like compost?”
• Show the classroom compost bin and ask what kind of things might go in it.

2. Read-Aloud with Interaction (10 minutes)

• Introduce the composting storybook. Emphasise colourful images and repeat key vocabulary: compost, worms, soil, plants.
• Pause to ask prediction and recall questions:
  • “What do you think will happen to the apple core in our story?”
  • “Why do you think people put things in the compost bin?”
• Use visual cue cards and gestures to support understanding of new words for ELL students.

3. Guided Discussion: Benefits of Composting (5 minutes)

• After reading, engage students in a discussion explaining:
  • Compost helps plants grow.
  • It keeps our Earth clean by turning food scraps into soil.
  • Worms help by breaking down the food.
• Visual chart: draw a simple “compost cycle” with smiling worm, food scraps, and growing plant.
• Reinforce the idea with simple sentences, encouraging students to repeat.

4. Hands-On Sorting Activity (20 minutes)

• Set up the “Compost” vs “Not Compost” mats on the floor.
• Show picture and real item cards one at a time. Ask students:
  • “Does this go in the compost or the trash?”
• Invite students to come up one by one or in pairs to place cards on the mat.
• Use visuals and repeat vocabulary for clarity. Provide support to ELL students with picture cues.
• After sorting, review together, praising correct sorting, and explaining any tricky items.
• Optional: incorporate a worm puppet or “worm friend” who ‘talks’ about what he likes to eat.

5. Closing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather students back in the circle. Review what composting is and why it’s important.
• Ask each student to share one item they learned is compostable.
• Sing a short composting song or chant reinforcing key words (e.g., “Compost, compost, magic dirt, worms and plants love it!”)
• Encourage students to share what they learned with their family at home.

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Accommodations & Differentiation

• ELL Students: Use visual cards with simple words, gestures, and modelling during discussions. Provide extra wait time and partner ELLs with fluent buddies.
• Special Needs: Use tactile sorting cards and real objects to accommodate sensory needs. Simplify language and repeat concepts.
• Advanced Learners: Challenge to think of additional compostable items or explain why some items don’t go in compost.

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Assessment

• Informally assess understanding during sorting activity by observing correct placement of cards.
• Listen to students’ explanations in discussion to gauge comprehension of compost benefits.
• Use a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down signal to check if students can identify items as compostable.

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Extensions & Home Connections

• Send home a “Compost at Home” picture checklist for families to try composting at home with their child.
• Suggest families create a worm bin or small compost corner in their yard or balcony.
• Plan a future nature walk to observe worms and natural decomposition.

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This lesson embraces hands-on, student-centred learning with strong visual supports aligned to California’s early education priorities and NGSS. The interactive story and engaging sorting game build foundational scientific thinking about nature’s recycling process that sparks curiosity and environmental stewardship in young learners.