Worm Habitat Study
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the Toddler stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to Toddler for Worm Habitat Study.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- One clear plastic container with a secure lid and air holes
- Damp potting soil and a small bag of sand
- Fresh earthworms gathered from the school garden
- Vegetable scraps such as lettuce or apple peels
- Magnifying glasses for teacher use
- Black sugar paper to wrap the container
Learning Objectives
- Observe the physical characteristics of earthworms through sensory exploration.
- Develop fine motor skills by placing soil and worms into the container.
- Practise gentle touch and respectful interaction with living creatures.
- Identify the basic needs of worms such as soil, moisture, and food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the habitat by layering damp soil and sand into the clear container.
2. Gather the toddlers in a small circle to introduce the worms.
3. Allow each child to watch as you place a worm on the soil surface.
4. Model gentle behaviour by using one finger to lightly touch the soil near the worm.
5. Encourage children to look closely at how the worm moves and burrows into the dirt.
6. Add small pieces of vegetable scraps to the top of the soil to demonstrate feeding.
7. Wrap the container in black sugar paper to simulate the dark underground environment.
8. Place the habitat in a quiet area of the room for daily observation.
9. Lead a brief discussion about how the worms help our farm soil stay healthy.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often want to grasp small objects, so keep the worms in the container to prevent injury to the animals. If a child seems fearful, model curiosity by narrating your own observations rather than forcing physical contact. You can extend this activity by checking the habitat daily to see if the vegetable scraps have disappeared.
Assessment
- Note if the child watches the movement of the worm with sustained attention.
- Record the child's ability to follow the instruction to touch the soil gently.
- Observe if the child can identify the worm or the soil when prompted by the teacher.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.