Worms Eat

Unit: Wiggly Worm Wonders

Lesson 6 of 10

Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 30 Kindergarten students
Subject: Science
Location: California, USA

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Lesson Overview

In this engaging lesson, students will learn about what worms eat and gain an introductory understanding of composting. Through a playful, multisensory approach that aligns with California Kindergarten Science Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS: K-LS1-1), students will develop awareness of worms' role in nature and decomposition. The lesson incorporates visual aids, a kid-friendly video, and a creative colouring activity tailored for English Language Learners (ELLs) and all students.

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Learning Goals

• Recognise the food that worms eat (decaying leaves, vegetable scraps, soil).
• Understand the basic concept of composting as a natural recycling process.
• Develop vocabulary related to compostable items.
• Engage collaboratively using sensory/motor and visual learning styles.

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California Education Standards Alignment

California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS-K):

• K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (worms) need to survive.
• ESS3.A: Natural resources are limited; worms help recycle organic material.

California Preschool Learning Foundations: Life Sciences (for foundation):

• Understands that living things have needs and depend on their environment.

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Materials Needed

• Picture cards showing worms, compost bin, and various food items (fruit peels, leaves, bread, plastic, meat scraps)—clearly labelled with pictures and words for ELL support.
• Kid-friendly composting video (~5 minutes) suitable for K students.
• Colouring sheets illustrating compostable vs. non-compostable items.
• Crayons/markers.
• Large chart paper or whiteboard.
• Small bag of soil and/or an actual worm in a transparent container (optional sensory addition).

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Vocabulary

• Worm
• Compost
• Food scraps
• Leaves
• Soil
• Rotting/decaying
• Recycle

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle. Show a live worm or picture/card of a worm. Ask: “What do you think worms eat?” Encourage quick predictions.
• Introduce the word composting. Use the picture cards to show items worms eat (leaves, veggie peels) and items they don’t (plastic, meat). Hold up each card, ask students to say “Yes” or “No” if worms eat it.
• Use simple, clear language and repeat key terms to scaffold ELL students.

2. Video Viewing (7 minutes)

• Play a short, animated kid-friendly video on composting that explains how worms help turn food scraps and leaves into soil.
• During the video, pause briefly to ask: "What did you see the worms eating?" and "Why do we compost?"
• Use picture cards alongside video for reinforcement.

3. Guided Discussion & Charting (5 minutes)

• After the video, engage students in a short discussion.
• On a large chart, create two columns: “Worms Eat” and “Worms Don’t Eat”. Ask students to help place corresponding picture cards under each heading.
• Emphasise the idea that worms help “clean up” by eating plants and scraps.

4. Colouring Activity (15 minutes)

• Hand out worksheets with pictures of compostable and non-compostable items.
• Students colour items worms eat with green crayons and items worms don’t eat with red crayons (introducing simple coding/colour symbolism).
• Circulate, providing support to students needing help matching items. Use the picture cards as a reference station for ELL and other students.

5. Wrap Up and Review (8 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to share one thing worms eat and why composting is helpful.
• Recap key vocabulary using a “Worms Eat” chant or song with simple movements (wiggle fingers like worms while naming items).
• Highlight the importance of worms in nature, helping plants grow by turning old plants into soil.

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Assessment & Accommodations

• Formative Assessment:
  • Observation of participation in discussion and placement of cards.
  • Review completed colouring sheets for understanding of compostable items.
• Accommodations for ELL and Diverse Learners:
  • Use of picture cards with both images and words to support language acquisition.
  • Peer support pairing during activities.
  • Slow, clear speech and repetition of vocabulary.
• Sensory and Kinesthetic Engagement:
  • Optional worm container for close-up observation to connect learning physically and visually.

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Extensions / Home Connection

• Send a simple “Worm Wonders at Home” take-home sheet encouraging families to start a mini compost bin with kitchen vegetable scraps.
• Suggest that parents and children observe worms outside and discuss what they might be eating.

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Teacher Reflection Prompts

• Were students able to distinguish between compostable and non-compostable items?
• Did the video and picture cards adequately support ELL learners?
• How engaged were students with the hands-on activities and discussion?
• What modifications might better support sensory or diverse needs next time?

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This lesson blends observation, multimedia, interactive sorting, and creative art, making worm learning come alive while addressing key California Science Education standards and fostering language development. The “Worms Eat” lesson plants early stewardship seeds by showing students how small creatures help our Earth thrive!