House 1
Students will attend to a live worm or worm model and communicate a preference using their established response mode.
Lesson 01 • Plants & seasons
Meet the Compost Worms
Explore wiggly compost helpers and make a cozy worm home.
Classroom lesson: Compost WormsToday I can…
observe a worm and help care for its home.
Words to know
Our five words
WORMCOMPOSTSOILWETCARE
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Look
Watch how a worm moves. Looking without touching is okay.
- 2
Make bedding
Tear paper and mist it until it is damp.
- 3
Add worms
Place or direct the worms into their new home.
- 4
Sort food
Choose a small approved food scrap for the bin.
- 5
Check and care
Check moisture, close the lid, and wash hands.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
LOOKTOUCHUSE A TOOLFEEDSKIP
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Ventilated opaque bin with lid
- Compost worms
- Shredded plain paper or cardboard
- Water mister
- Approved produce scraps
- Gloves, spoon, tongs, and magnifier
Safety first
No one must touch worms. Use tools or observe only. Wash hands and never add meat, dairy, oily food, or pet waste.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Objectives by House
House 2
Students will match or sort one worm-care item and complete one care action with support.
House 3
Students will follow a three-step visual sequence to prepare bedding and identify one worm need.
House 4 & 5
Students will help set up the bin, sort foods, and explain or record one ongoing care responsibility.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.