How to Compost in the Preschool Classroom
Composting in a preschool classroom can be a fun, hands-on activity to teach students about agriculture, ecology and the environment. The materials needed are simple and easy to find, and every student in the class can be a part of the project. Composting is an excellent choice for recycling leftover food items from lunches and recess, such as fruit cores, bread crusts and cafeteria scraps. A preschool classroom compost bin can be used for an entire school year and allows for yearlong lessons and activities. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic container with lid
- Drill
- Paintbrushes
- Acrylic paint
- Potting soil
- Dried leaves
- Sand
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Tray
- Shredded paper
- Long-handled spoon
Instructions
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Buy or find a plastic container with a lid. The best option for classroom use is a standard 5-gallon storage bin that you can find at any local hardware store. A trash can will work, but it tends to be cumbersome in an already full classroom.
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Drill holes along the lower part of the sides of the bin so that the moisture your classroom compost creates will have somewhere to go. One hole every 6 inches or so will allow for enough drainage without compromising the bin's structure.
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Decorate the outside of your preschool compost bin. This is one area where you can involve the most students. Have the class decide on a theme or simply let the kids decorate to their own tastes using paintbrushes and acrylic paint.
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Cover the bottom of the bin with about an inch of soil mix. This should be a mixture of potting soil, dried leaves and sand. Moisten the mixture with water through a spray bottle. Place the bin on a tray to catch any moisture that drips out of the predrilled holes. Now your compost bin is ready to be used.
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Instruct the students about the types of items that can go into a compost bin. Most table scraps will work as long as you avoid meats and dairy; these will cause the compost bin to emit a foul odor.
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Choose students on a rotating basis to maintain your preschool compost bin. The kids can be responsible for a variety of jobs. First, the moisture needs to be checked every few days. If the compost is dry, mist it with a spray bottle. If it is too moist, shredded paper can be added to dry the mixture out. Finally, compost needs to be turned every week. A long spoon should work fine for turning the material in a classroom compost bin.
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Tips & Warnings
The plastic bin will need to be decorated using acrylic paint, and such paint can stain clothes.
