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The living world around us!
Today we had the privilege of Shannon from the Taupo district council joining us to share her passion for composting and worms. We learnt all about tiger worms - small creatures that help our world in big ways.
Tiger worms are special because they turn food scraps into rich, healthy soil. Their striped bodies look like little tigers, and they are amazing helpers in composting. By eating food waste, they create worm castings, which are full of nutrients that help plants grow strong and healthy. Tiger worms teach us many things, especially how to care for our environment.
In Te Whāriki (New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum), children learn through exploring, communicating, and contributing to the world around them. Working with worms helps our tamariki develop a sense of belonging as they see how they are part of nature. Just like we care for ourselves and each other, tamariki can learn to care for these little creatures, showing kindness and respect for all living things. When tamariki take care of the worms, they also learn about the importance of wellbeing.
Worms need food scraps and a safe place to live, just as we need these things too. By feeding the worms and watching them work, tamariki understand how even small actions can make a big difference in the world. Exploring the world of worms also helps children develop their communication skills. As we talk about what they observe, how the worms move, what they eat, and how they help the garden—they build language and share their ideas with others.
By learning through play and exploration, tamariki can connect with nature, see their role in it, and understand how everything is linked together. We will be receiving our very own worm farm here at the centre for our tamariki to continue and develop their interest in the living world.