No Need to Teach! Just Let Kids Discover Tiny Creatures in the Compost, and They’ll Start Learning on Their Own
Are you wondering how to introduce your child to nature but unsure how to teach them?
The truth is, you don’t have to teach them at all! Simply letting kids encounter the tiny creatures living in the compost naturally sparks their curiosity and love for discovery.
In this article, we share insights from our 10-day exhibition at Grüne Woche, starting on January 17th, where we explored Terra Preta compost and its hidden life. You'll learn why parents only need to set up the right environment and discover simple ways to help children dive into their own discoveries.
By the end of this article, you might realize that your wish for your child to explore nature’s wonders on their own can be fulfilled more easily than you imagined!
1. Ask “Did something just move?”
Children are naturally drawn to movement. Instead of using tools right away, simply look at the ground and whisper, “I think something just moved.” This subtle prompt will spark curiosity, and your child will instinctively start searching.
As adults, we often feel the need to explain everything, but research shows that discovering something on your own is four times more memorable than being told. A child who finds a tiny insect or moving soil will naturally start wondering, "What is this?"—strengthening their observation skills.
2. Just Place a shovel nearby
You don’t need to say, “Let’s dig!” Simply place a small hand shovel or rake nearby. Kids are naturally curious and will reach for it. Once they start digging, they’ll encounter hidden creatures beneath the surface.
The soil is home to earthworms, pill bugs, ants, and beetle larvae. In compost, you’ll also find tiny creatures like Enchytraeus, springtails, and mites, some even smaller than 1mm! While some children love digging for large worms, others might enjoy using a small rake to gently brush the surface, uncovering even tinier creatures.
3. Provide an insect observation lens
Having an insect observation lens nearby invites children to take a closer look. Simply asking, “Do you want to put it in here?” encourages them to take the next step.
For first-time users, show them how to open the lid (which can be a bit stiff) and carefully place a tiny creature inside. The box includes 2x and 4x magnification lenses, revealing incredible details that are usually invisible to the naked eye.
For example, Enchytraeus look like tiny white worms, but under a lens, you can actually see them digesting compost! The longer children observe, the deeper their curiosity grows.
4. Let Adults Touch First
Some children feel hesitant about bugs and compost. If your child seems unsure, demonstrate first instead of explaining. Holding an earthworm in your hand and saying, “It’s smooth and wiggly,” can make them more curious.
However, never force a child to touch something they dislike. If they look uncomfortable, simply say, “You don’t feel like touching it right now? That’s okay,” and gently return the creature to the compost.
5. Ask, “What Do You Think This Is?”
Instead of giving names and explanations, try asking, “What do you think this is?” or “How do you think it moves?”
During Grüne Woche, we noticed that when we encouraged children to observe movements instead of explaining names, they came up with their own ideas and theories. Asking open-ended questions helps children develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills.
6. Create a Space for Longer Observation
To keep children engaged with the soil, set up a comfortable observation space. If you don’t want to get things dirty, lay down a mat or provide a sitting area so they can take their time exploring.
Some children, once they start discovering different creatures, become completely absorbed for 20 to 30 minutes. The longer they spend, the stronger their desire to learn grows.
Over our 10-day exhibition, we noticed that the variety of creatures changed as the compost developed. Observing which creatures appear when food sources are abundant, and which ones emerge later, can become an exciting long-term project.
The Key Takeaway: Just Set Up the Environment!
After interacting with children for 10 days, we learned that kids don’t need to be taught—they just need opportunities to explore. A few simple adjustments from adults can make a huge difference.
If any of these ideas resonate with you, why not try them today?
THANKS
This exhibition was realized at Grüne Woche 2025 fair at the booth of the European Union (Halle 3.2)
in collaboration with Roots Radicals uand with Miren Artola von BodenSchätzen.