This week our Playful Preschool Series explores the Earth!
We decided to let a book inspire our activity. This sensory bin provides lots of literacy(alphabet practice) and science exploration. It is perfect for Earth Day or anytime of the year.
Compost Alphabet Activity and Book
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Why We Chose This Alphabet Activity
My boys found the book, Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe of the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals at the library. It was a great compliment to all the work we have been doing in our garden this spring.
We don’t have a composting bin, but my boys are eager to start one. Before we get a real one set up, I thought I would capitalize on their interest and create a compost theme sensory bin. And, as usual I like to find a way to sprinkle a little literacy practice in the mix.
The Book
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”0385755384″ locale=”US” src=”/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/61XhjC8HuxL.jpg” tag=”groboobyboo-20″ width=”500″]
[easyazon_link identifier=”0385755384″ locale=”US” tag=”groboobyboo-20″]Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe of the Earth[/easyazon_link] by Mary McKenna Siddals is a fun story about returning items back to the earth to create soil. Children will be environmental chefs as they learn about 26 different items that can be added and mixed together to create a super rich soil.
The Activity
Materials Needed: [easyazon_link identifier=”B0009F4YR6″ locale=”US” tag=”groboobyboo-20″]sensory table[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B002BA5F52″ locale=”US” tag=”groboobyboo-20″]bin[/easyazon_link], any combination of these filler ingredients: dryer lint, coffee filters, dirt, grass clippings, dried oatmeal, nutshells, strips of newspaper, tea bags, dried leaves, small twigs, scissors, newspaper or flyers, and small [easyazon_link identifier=”B0049UVKM4″ locale=”US” tag=”groboobyboo-20″]sandbox tools[/easyazon_link]
1. Cut out letters of the alphabet from ads that come in the mail or newspapers.
2. Add the letters and any of the fillers listed above to the bin or container.
Your compost bin is ready to explore! Have your child name each filler in the bin and talk about how everything in the bin helps to make compost.
Invite your child to “turn” the compost and find the letters of the alphabet. As each letter is discovered, have your child name the letter, say the sound the letter represents and even name an item for each letter.
Another fun extension is to place a variety of things that can be composted near the play area. As a letter is found in the bin, your child can place it next to the object that begins with that letter. Need ideas for what can be composted? You can use any fruit, vegetable or plant.
I’m a big believer that alphabet activities should be fun and playful. I also love to incorporate other subjects into our literacy play. This activity fits the bill!
Related Posts
Recycled Materials Writing Center
Keep reading. Visit the links below for more great Earth ideas from the #playfulpreschool team!
Earth Sensory Table Small World by Mom Inspired Life
Learning about Earth Through Puzzle Play by The Educators’ Spin On It
On Planet Earth There are Five Oceans – Children’s Song by Capri +3
Earth Day Preschool Math and Sensory Play by Fun-A-Day!
Preschool Science Experiements: Layers of the Earth by Learning 2 Walk
Layers of the Earth Felt Puzzle by Powerful Mothering
No Mess Painting Earth in a Bag by Still Playing School
Building Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme by Live Over C’s
Earth: Water Cycle by Tiny Tots Adventures
Jill says
This looks like a fun hands on storybook activity! My kids would love it!
Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
Mary Catherine says
What an awesome idea for a sensory bin and literacy experience! Thanks for introducing me to a new book! 🙂
Jodie Rodriguez says
Thank you Mary Catherine!
Kim says
What a fun idea!!! I never would have thought of using dryer lint!
Jodie Rodriguez says
A fun use for an item everyone has on hand!
Mary McKenna Siddals says
What a STEWpendous idea for combining literacy play and science exploration! Thanks so much for choosing my COMPOST STEW as the basis for this unique activity, Jodie, and for your kind words about my book. Coincidentally, I’m currently hosting a giveaway on the COMPOST STEW Facebook page, and welcome everyone to DIG IN TO WIN a copy of the book > http://gvwy.io/rd1tsas
Meanwhile, I’ve added a link to your Compost Sensory Bin in the COMPOST STEW activity section on my website, and wish you all the best as you explore composting with your boys.
Jodie Rodriguez says
Mary, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Most of all, thank you for writing such a great book. I could write so many more posts on extension activities to do with this book! I wish you continued success and will be sure to share about the giveaway on my Facebook page. Best wishes!
Mary McKenna Siddals says
Thanks again, Jodie — much appreciated!
Cerys says
That looks such a fabulous book I’m going to have to see if we can get a copy and a fantastic compostable sensory bin as well.
Theresa says
I love composting and had never heard of that book. It sounds awesome. We will have to check it out. Your sensory bin is a lot of fun!
Danielle says
We are definitely going to look for this book at the library. I love this sensory bin!
Jodie Rodriguez says
Hope you enjoy it too Danielle!
Natasha says
Never heard of the book, will check it out this Saturday. I love the compost bin, great idea!
Jodie Rodriguez says
Thank you Natasha!
Devany says
We’ve never heard of this book but definitely need to check it out! Thanks!