Make Art With Nature
This art activity is all about exploration and expression. Your child will explore the world around them and express creatively using materials they find in it.
Before You Play
A quick word of caution: As your child gathers materials, especially if she is gathering materials while out on a nature hike, watch out for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Say out loud with her, “Leaves of three, let it be!” Also, it’s best to avoid mushrooms or anything oozy.
Materials
Directions
Encourage your child to be creative and use materials in unexpected ways. For example, if you find tree sap, use that for glue. Pieces of charred wood can be used as drawing pencils.
Ask your child if she would like to focus on one piece or to create an entire collection. If she wants to create multiple pieces, make sure she has enough materials.
Once your child is finished, have her describe her artwork. For example, ask, "Why did you choose those materials? Which piece is your favorite? Why?" Help her find a good place to display her art.
Jennifer Cooper is the blogger behind Classic-Play.com, an online resource for creative families. Her favorite pastimes include dancing around her living room, watching “The Pink Panther” with her kids, and daydreaming. Jennifer lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband, Photographer Dave Cooper, and two children.
Science
Arts