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Worms in the Classroom: Composting as a Learning Tool in Preschool
By Daina Kājiņa, Head of Preschool “CreaKids”
Today, we increasingly talk about sustainable lifestyles and responsible resource use. Often, it seems that significant change can only be achieved through major reforms or expensive technological solutions. In reality, small, thoughtful everyday initiatives can have a major impact—especially when they instil these values and sustainable habits from an early age. Educational institutions are exactly where children first develop habits and an understanding of the environment. And preschool is a great place to explore practical topics like waste sorting, resource conservation, and understanding natural processes.
Initial Scepticism
Our experience at “CreaKids” preschools clearly shows this. A few years ago, we started a small, seemingly simple initiative—vermicomposting with worms. When we first started discussing the idea of introducing composting with worms, I must admit—some staff members were sceptical. Worms in a city kindergarten? Is that even possible? Will it be hygienic? Will children—and their parents—understand and accept it? But today, I can say—it is a valuable educational project.
Children Observe Worms at Work Every Day
Preschool is an ideal place for children to learn about waste sorting and other sustainable activities. We saw this clearly within the first months of the project. Now, nearly all our preschools have special worm homes and compost bins set up according to guidelines based on experience and best practices. Children observe the worms’ work daily, sort food waste, and actively participate in the composting process.
How Do the Worm Homes Work in Practice?
Of course, it took time to get used to, and for adults just as much as for the children, it was a surprise. Everyone knows and has seen worms outside, in wet soil or puddles, but it was fascinating for children to learn that worms can actually do something and produce something. Our worm homes or compost bins are adapted for indoor use—they are enclosed, well-ventilated, easy to maintain, and don’t create discomfort or odours. The children know what can and cannot be fed to the worms. We use simple guidelines that we regularly review with the children, visualized with teaching materials. Food scraps—like cucumber peels, apple cores, used tea leaves, and so on—are collected in a special container and brought to the worms together with the children. They’ve also learned that organic waste includes not just leftover food, but also natural waste from gardens like leaves, wilted flowers from vases, and more.
Not Just Knowledge, but Understanding of Consequences
From this project, children gain not only knowledge but also an understanding that every action has consequences—and patience, since food decomposition isn’t instant. It also teaches responsibility, as the children take an active role and see how their choices affect the environment. They want to touch, see, and explore everything. Of course, some are scared or hesitant at first, but that too is part of the learning process—they observe, think, and evaluate. And the braver ones are often more active than adults. The project is now part of our daily routine. Children see it as something natural and say: “We don’t throw peels and cores in the trash—we take them to the worms.” What’s especially rewarding is that children take this experience home and influence their family habits. This way, they introduce these practices to their parents and relatives, encouraging others to be more responsible with the resources we consume.
The Produced Humus Helps Garden Plants Grow
This project is very practical. We’ve already used the humus produced by the worms from our organic waste for planting and sowing multiple times. The results are tangible—we see daily how it helps the plants in our garden grow stronger. Additionally, the children weigh the food waste themselves and enter the data into a special app, allowing them to see how much food is being used beneficially and how to reduce food waste. This teaches them how to use data in practice and encourages critical thinking.
Composting Is Not Exotic—It’s a Shift in Awareness
With this experience, we want to show that composting in a city is no longer something exotic. It’s accessible to everyone—even in a downtown preschool. The key is to dare to start—and prepare clear, understandable guidelines so that everyone—teachers, children, and parents—feels safe and confident. The result exceeds expectations—we not only reduce the amount of organic waste but also foster a new attitude in children and families. And this change in values is what we, as a preschool, consider our greatest achievement.