Composting for kids is one of the best ways to help children learn the benefits of recycling. To protect our environment into the future it is essential to make sure that the younger generations develop a respect and awe for the world around them and learn how to contribute to a sustainable earth. Of course, every child can recite the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) by the time they graduate from kindergarten, and even a toddler knows that empty soda cans and water bottles belong in the blue bin; but, there is an obvious difference between simply knowing a rule and appreciating the reason for its existence.
The easiest way to help children understand the importance of recycling and the benefits of reusing material is to involve them in the process. Composting is a great hands on activity that allows children to watch how natural garbage and kitchen scraps can be transformed into rich fertilizer that will help gardens and crops grow. Since composting is so simple, even young children can be involved in every step of the process. The key is to make it fun so they stay excited and interested.
Although you can purchase a composter at your local hardware store or garden center, you can also make building your own a family project. Compost bins can easily be made from readily available materials. Build a box from plastic or wood, or enclose a designated area with mesh or chicken wire. Some people may even prefer to build a worm box and enlist their children to gather the worms – and what kid doesn’t love playing in the dirt? If you don’t want to build a container, you can simply have a compost pile, contained by bricks, cement blocks, or large rocks. Children can also help collect materials to begin composting such as leaves, grass clippings, and weeds. If they are involved in the building, collecting, and maintaining, children will be proud of their accomplishments and more likely to consider the activity worthwhile and valuable.
Composting provides a platform for teaching biology, chemistry, and physics in a fun and exciting way. In essence, it is an educational tool through which children can learn about moisture, aeration, carbon to nitrogen ration, and how to achieve the proper temperature for both hot and cold composting. They also become familiar with the layering of brown and green materials, what can or cannot be added, and the many uses of the resulting compost.
A composting program can even be implemented at your children’s school. Not only would it be a beneficial addition to both science and recycling programs, but it would also be a great way to involve the entire school body including staff, students, food services workers, custodians, and parents. A rewards system could be established and students could help create ways to increase community awareness. The compost or fertilizer could even be sold or donated to local farmers or organizations as a great fundraiser for future projects.
Composting for kids is a great family, school, and community activity that we can all be part of.
About Author:
David Rose is raising his family on a permaculture homestead in Northern California. He shares detailed instructions on composting for kids and adults at www.family-gardens.com.
Article Source: Composting for Kids Gives Children a Fun, Hands on Appreciation for Recycling and the Environment
