Eco Child’s Play

Earthworms are child-friendly. They’re accessible in any good patch of dirt and they neither bite nor run away. An interest in earthworms can boost any kid’s interest in a number of other useful subjects, from biology to science to ecology, and be a part of any number of hands-on, experiential learning activities, including environmentalism and organic gardening.

It’s also a good time to expose a kid with an interest in anything they find in their yards to the wide world of information gathering–you want your kids to understand that whatever they want to know about, there is information to be had and they are capable of either finding for themselves or interacting with those who can find it for them.

In other words, whenever a kid has an interest, barrage her with books. Even a subject as prosaic as the lowly earthworm is the star of any number of storybooks, nonfiction books, reference books, poems, songs, books on CD, web sites, audio programs, and documentaries.

• » See also: Grow Your Own Tree Hugger: 101 Activities to Teach Your Child How to Live Green
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Here are a few of the favorites of my own little earthworm lovers:

• Earthworms, Dirt, and Rotten Leaves by Molly McLaughlin. For older children or to be read aloud to very interested younger kids, this is a chapter book and includes lots of simple, gentle experiments that a child can perform independently with earthworms to learn more about them. It’s a good catalyst for discussing with budding scientists the ethics of animal experimentation and your own family’s personal values in regards to this.
• The Worm Book by Loren Nancarrow and Janet Hogan Taylor. This book is actually adult-oriented, mostly about composting with worms. What a great way to involve yourself in a child’s passions!
• The Life Cycle of an Earthworm by Bobbie Kalman.  This is a picture book that includes lots of well-done photographs of earthworms in their natural environment and a few photos of children interacting very gently with earthworms.
• Songs for the Earth by Laura Baron. Meant for families to listen to together, this album is a collection of eco-minded songs for children, including “Earthworm Boogie.”
• Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin. For kids who already know something about worms, arachnids, and insects, this picture book includes some jokes that they’ll find pretty funny. My girls like the CD Reader version of this one.

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