Composting is not only an adult project, but one in which the whole family--especially kids--can dig in and take an active role in saving the earth. Composting for kids brings together the kid-friendly elements that are necessary for any kid endeavor to succeed, including simplicity, short intervals, and straight-out fun.
Compost ABC's
Composting is simply the decomposition of organic matter. It can be leaves in the forest or tomatoes from the salad we ate yesterday. Using microbes and air, compost breaks down into simple organic matter to further fuel the fertility of the soil.
With composting for kids, they learn some necessary lessons like the value of recycling and being able to reduce waste. Kids will think before tossing something in the garbage, "Hey! We can compost this!"
Harness Natural Curiosity
When I was a kid I loved going into the woods and turning over a rotten log to see what kind of insect surprise I would find. The same can be done in the compost pile or compost bin that you are using for your composting project. Pill bugs, centipedes, and scores of other insect unidentifiables will make your youngster shout with glee. The yuckier the better. Kid's minds are afire with curiosity for the natural world and composting for kids is a great way to kindle that imagination in a fun and scientific project.
Cue Microbes
Compost is full of microbes that our eye cannot see and our ears cannot hear. Kids will be enthralled--especially if mom or dad can get excited, too.
Cue the Worms
Kids love worms. They love dangling them and staring at them from different angles; they love letting them wiggle around in their palms; they love just staring at them as they tunnel through compost. Composting for kids is an activity where your kitchen composter can turn into a red worm composting farm. You can make it a family project and build a worm bin out of a plastic, 20 gallon storage bin or you can get one of the nifty stackable red worm compost bins--either way you do it, the kids will have a blast raising worms to eat garbage.
3 Tips To Get Your Youngsters Crazy For Composting
1. Entrust the compost to the kids--whether it be putting the kitchen compost in the compost pail or using the tumbling composter (or if you have a no-kidding-around kid they could even turn the compost pile). Kids like responsibility and knowing a duty belongs to them. Of course, you will have to make it a game by building it up in their mind that there is value attached to this project. If you entrust them with an adult or grown-up job, they will step up to the plate
2. Keep a compost journal or sketchbook. Have the kids keep track of what's going on in the compost.
3. Make a compost movie. The more close-ups of mini-monsters, the better.
Composting for kids can be a valuable family experience, but also one that extends out into the world and makes a difference. The kids will have a blast making the earth smile.
If you liked this Composting for Kids article, check out this Worm Factory Review.
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