We all need balance in our lives or things get out of whack. Most would agree that children are having too much screen time, so it’s especially critical to make sure they have plenty of sensory stimulation, time to be creative, time to use their imaginations, and time to experience all seasons of nature.
Children love to collect things. Aren't they always picking up rocks or leaves or flowers or nuts? A nature center in the home would be a perfect place to display their treasures and give them the opportunity to observe and investigate natural items. What a great idea to share with your families!
HOW TO CREATE A HOME NATURE CENTER
Materials: plastic tub
magnifying glass
clipboard, pencils, paper
natural objects (rotate according to seasons)
Directions: Take the tub to a natural area in your community. Let children collect rocks, leaves, pine cones, sticks, nuts, and other natural items. Place the tub on a table or quiet place in the home and encourage children to do some of the activities below:
*free sensory exploration (see, feel, smell)
*sort
*count
*seriate by size
*observe with a magnifying glass
*sketch
*PLAY!
Note! When children tire of the nature tub return the natural items to where you collected them.
FREE, GREEN, ENGAGING, OPEN-ENDED, EASY - IT'S A WINNER!!!