Go around the circle and ask children to share their findings. Likely finds will include rocks, worms and other creatures, dead plant matter, garbage and other man-made objects. After the discussion, have children return their finds to the soil or to the trash can, whichever is appropriate. Bring children back to the circle. Explain that composting is a way of recycling plants, improving the soil and helping other plants grow.
Compost aerates the soil and helps it stay moist.
Walk children over to the compost pile and demonstrate how it is maintained. Pair children up and give each pair a container to fill with compost. Have each pair spread out their compost on the ground and collect what they find in it. In the circle again, let children share their finds. Have them compare the kinds of things they found in the compost with things found in the garden soil.