Composting Exploration
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Infant stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Infant for Composting Exploration.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Clear, sealed plastic bin containing soil and dried leaves.
- Pieces of clean, non-toxic vegetable scraps like carrot tops or apple cores.
- A small handheld magnifying glass for the teacher.
- Soft, clean fabric swatches for tactile contrast.
- A shallow tray to contain the materials during exploration.
Learning Objectives
- Infants will track the movement of objects with their eyes.
- Infants will demonstrate tactile curiosity by reaching for or touching different textures.
- Infants will respond to the teacher's verbal descriptions of the materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Place the sealed bin on a low, stable surface or a clean floor mat.
2. Sit on the floor with the infants to create a calm and secure environment.
3. Open the bin and allow the infants to observe the contents from a safe distance.
4. Narrate the experience by using simple words such as soil, brown, soft, and leaves.
5. Place a small amount of soil onto the shallow tray within reach of the infants.
6. Gently guide the infants' hands to touch the soil, modelling a soft patting motion.
7. Introduce the vegetable scraps, describing their colour and texture as you place them on the tray.
8. Use the magnifying glass to look closely at the items, inviting the infants to look at the magnified textures.
9. Encourage the infants to grasp or hold the fabric swatches to compare the feeling of cloth against the feeling of soil.
10. Conclude the activity by singing a short song about the farm or the garden to signal the end of the sensory session.
Educator Tip
Always ensure that all items used are large enough to prevent choking hazards and are free of pesticides or sharp edges. If an infant is hesitant to touch the soil, offer the fabric swatch first to build comfort before introducing the natural materials.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant shows interest by leaning toward or reaching for the materials.
- Note whether the infant tracks the teacher's hand movements during the demonstration.
- Record if the infant makes vocalizations or facial expressions in response to the sensory input.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.