As spring comes around, School-age 2 has been fascinated and curious about something they found coming up beneath the surface. When the ground softened and the snow finally gave up its hold, a group of children gathered at the edge of a bunch of huge puddles as they found Earthworms. Ròisìn and Millie were the ones who started this discovery and sparked interest with the other children.
In many Indigenous teachings, Earthworms are seen as helpers of the land, quiet workers who turn the soil, making it healthy for plants to grow. They are part of a balance, a relationship between all living things. Curious about these creatures, Alex began to observe them more carefully. Lila noticed a few things, such as how the worms appeared after rain, how they avoided sunlight, and how the soil where the worms lived felt richer and darker. “Look at this worm, Sarah. It’s so long and squishy,” Lila said. As more and more children came over to observe and play, they noticed that some of the worms were not moving and realized the worms had, unfortunately, died. Instead of turning away, the children chose to show kindness. They gently gathered the small bodies and together they dug a special place in the soil, making a little cemetery by covering the worms with dirt and leaves. Through this moment, they learned about life and death, empathy and care, and honouring even the smallest living things.
The children’s curiosity about Earthworms began with fascination, but quickly grew into meaningful learning about care, responsibility, and the natural world. As they observed how the worms moved, burrowed, and responded to light and moisture, the children developed careful observation skills and began to ask thoughtful questions about living things. Gently handling the worms and creating a safe, damp environment for them taught us respect and empathy, helping the children understand that even small creatures need proper care to survive. Through this hands-on exploration, they also built fine motor skills, patience, and an early sense of environmental stewardship, all while deepening their connection to the world beneath their feet.
