Naturally Wild

Hey folks!

So after sitting outside in nature and listening to all of her whispers, I began to notice not just her sounds but her other beauties too. This time of year brings those big bold fall leaves, but there are quieter colors too. Look for the dark green and fuzzy moss, or the white and cream mushrooms growing on the ash brown logs. Mother Nature uses colors in all forms, including our animal friends. Animals use their colors in protection, attraction and camouflage. Focusing on nature’s beauty is an important way to create a positive and empathy filled connection in early childhood. Recent studies have even shown that having contact with nature is as important for young children as proper diet and adequate sleep! So get those kids outdoors or bring nature inside to them!

I have recently done an activity that can help us to focus on nature’s beauty and bring it indoors. This craft is more creativity based and helps us to find our own paths to inspiration by nature. If you’re looking for an activity to bring indoors, give this a try!

 

                                  Headpiece craft

Look at some photos of animals or nature for some inspiration. Here are a few to get you started. The great part about this craft is that you can do it with anything that you want! Just gather any supplies that you might like. If you are having a rainy day brain and can’t think, take a look at this list to help you out.

Gather any fun nature-related material:

·         Fall leaves

·         Colorful feathers

·         Beads

·         Dried corn or pasta

·         Hemp string

Non-nature materials you might need:

·         Yarn

·         Pipe cleaners

·         Glue or tape

·         Coffee filters

Instructions: Maybe start off by having a talk about what you see in the photos. Notice the colors and different textures. Discuss with your child their thoughts on why these particular animals or plants are so colorful. Do they serve a purpose? Being able to reason and defend and argument is an important part to the classroom. (Remember arguments aren’t always yelling and screaming. In the classroom, it is a simple stamen that requires support.) Discuss why you think these animals have funky head pieces, especially birds. Then go for it! Create a head piece any way you like. Ask questions at the end; what inspired you and why did you pick certain materials to be in you headpiece?  Remember to have fun with it!

The goal of this activity is to help encourage children gain confidence in their own decisions and creativity. They get inspired by nature and make the positive connections to further their interest in the outdoors around them.