Give & Take with Nature
An Exploratory Nature Activity for Preschoolers!
Open the door and start to explore. We can thank Mother Nature
for this nature activity – she brings all the required materials right to you!
Ready, Set, Explore!
Prepare Exploration Area
Pre-explore your outdoor area to be sure any obvious hazards are removed. If nature has done its job, there will be “gifts of fall” available for the picking. If you’re in an area without trees to drop these gifts, you’ll need to stage a collection area. Gather pine cones, acorns, seedpods, and a variety of leaves and scatter them in the play area.
Start Exploring!
Give each child a tote or basket for collecting. A basket with a handle or a pail may be easier for young children to manage. You can use pumpkin trick-or-treat baskets which are readily available at discount stores at this time of year. After all, pumpkins are part of the fall harvest!
Show the children examples of the objects they can collect for their baskets. Practice in the classroom before you go outside.
Be sure to make it clear that objects found outside should not be put in their mouths. It may be best to do this activity with a small group of children at a time so that you can closely monitor them.
Remember to return any found items back to nature!
