Worms as pets?

Worms make ideal class pets! They don’t need grooming or exercising nor do they live in cages that need regularly cleaning out. They will also survive over the school holidays without being fed every day.

By keeping a wormery not only would you be acquiring a trouble free member of the class – and how often does that happen? – but you would also be provided with a very worthwhile educational resource. It would provide the children with a practical way of taking part in a recycling project and also fits in well with the science curriculum. On top of all of that the worms will produce an end product that can be used in the school garden.


To learn more about wormeries click here

To make a mini version of a wormery for observation purposes click here

To read more about earthworms click here

Feed the birds day

You may be like us and feed the birds every day but the official RSPB Feed the Birds Day is this Saturday 24 October. The RSPB web site gives advice on feeding birds and helping other wildlife. If you are a school why not have your own feed the birds event such as making fat cakes to take home. For instructions on how to make a fat cake click here.

The RSPB are running events linked to this on 24 & 25 October. If you don't usually feed the birds why start this weekend.

Haiths and Garden Birds are two online supplier of a wide range of bird and wild life food. Haiths also offer advice on their web site click here

Don't forget that birds need water for drinking and bathing too!

Classroom Activities - Minibeast life cycles

Your school vegetable garden can provide an excellent starting point for the study of mini-beast life cycles. I have devoted a section of my website to the wildlife that I have found on my allotment and in my garden.

The latest article features the life cycle of the large white butterfly. It includes a short video portraying the fascinating life cycle of this regular garden visitor.
Another article explains the life cycle of the ladybird.
Insect life cycle kits can also be bought so that children can have first hand experience of one of the wonders of nature.
This activity can link to the literacy, ICT and science curriculum.

Save the honeybee

The Soil Association have launched a campaign to save the honeybee click here to find out how you can help!

One factor in the decline of honeybees has been shown to be the use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids. This topic would also provide a great letter writing activity for children which would link Literacy, Science and ICT. Click here for information on how to write to your MP.
Click here for more curriculum activities linked to gardening
For more information about bees visit my website page here