Worms and Compost Storytime

So, our library's outdoor area has a serious problem with rotting apples come fall. This year I decided to do something about it and let all the kids join me in the process. I got really lucky on this one because as I started to puzzle over how to compost the apples, I realized that our library actually already owned a very nice little compost bin that was not in use from an old project. On another note of good fortune, my husband has been growing worms in our house (this really isn't as gross as it sounds) since the spring. So, between the bin, the worms, and some mulch; the kids and I were really able to get this thing going. I had some mulch already in the composter so that they could start adding apples, then cover the apples in more mulch, then we looked at the worms and dumped them in to compost bin as well. The worm part was super exciting for me and the older kids. The mulch part was super exciting for the toddler crowd. Being able to get the kids actively involved at the end was AWESOME, but I also think you could do this Storytime inside, in the middle of winter, with no compost and it would still be fun and educational. Here is the outline of what we did at the Storytime. We skipped Apples and Bananas at the end because we had so much other compost and worm work to do, but if I hadn't had the project planned for afterwards, I think it would have been a good fit. Credits for songs can be found within the linked google docs.

I. Welcome and Opening Spiel
II. Good Morning Song
III. We Clap and Say Hello
IV. Open, Shut Them
V. Spell Theme Word: W-O-R-M-S or C-O-M-P-O-S-T (since we will be doing a “W” for worm craft, I used “worms” as the word to spell for more repetition)
VI. Book: Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser (this one is so great for a wider age range than you would guess; make sure to have the kids stretch out and squeeze in to move like worms)
VII. Song or Action Rhyme: I’m a Little Wiggle Worm (whenever we do a teapot tune song, we always start out with one verse of I’m a Little Teapot first, then do the new version 2 x)
VIII. Song or Action Rhyme: Herman the Worm
IX. Book: Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals
X. Song or Action Rhyme: Apples & Bananas (We’re going to sing the classic song, but say “compost” instead of “eat”. Also, I always hold up a larger letter magnet for each of the vowels to give kids a visual aid.)
XI. Jumping ABCs (exactly what it sounds like, we jump our ABCs)
XIII. Explain Craft: Letter W worms
XIV. Goodbye Song