Well we had our “false spring” very early this year, and now we are back to a cold winter-ish snap. We are also on a 6 week lockdown. So … you know … what to say …
But I am not going to complain too much, because I get to spend my days with a 2 year old! Oh, and my other children of course, but there is definitely something magical about the age of two.
This little two year old of mine wakes up smiling everyday. She stretches, pulls back the curtains, and announces it a “BOO-tiful day!” with a smile ear to ear. I mean, what a way to start your day!
We are so lucky to have this little ray of sunshine to remind us that it is absolutely alright to be happy and positive for no reason at all.
Even when the world is feeling cold (physically and emotionally) we can wake up, smile, and realize that it is a “BOO-tiful day”.
Anyways, today’s blog post wasn’t really supposed to be about this crummy winter weather or our crummy lockdown. It’s about 2 year olds. And 3 year olds. Well … it’s actually about kids of all ages!
As you likely know, little ones LOVE to collect nature treasures. Pockets are a MUST around here right now for little Norah. If there are no pockets, this girl of mine is not having it. She needs pockets for her leaves, rocks, twigs, sheep treats, chicken feed, you name it.
Since I have been blogging for a little while (or – a little more that a little while I am realizing – 8 years!) I have shared with you many ideas for collecting nature treasures with our little ones.
This weekend we did another fun nature treasure collecting idea, so I thought I would write a blog post putting all of our ideas in one place, hoping you will find one perfect for you and yours.
So, without further ado, here are our favourite ways to collect nature treasures with toddlers, preschoolers, and KIDS!
Use a Tennis/Badminton Racket
This was the way we collected nature treasures this weekend. What a great one it was as well! Norah could easily hold onto the handle as she walked around collecting, and the little grids were perfect for weaving that treasure so it didn’t come loose.
Grab a pipecleaner and let your little one collect all of those leaves, flowers, and soft nature treasures! The pipecleaner is perfect for threading on all sorts of nature items and still perfectly safe for little ones to walk around with.
Use a darning needle and yarn
Much like the idea above, this one is great for a little older children. Children can walk around and practice their sewing as they collect leaves and flowers. Amazing necklaces and bracelets can be made!
Use Duct Tape
This idea is one that I have used HUNDREDS of times at this point. I have used this idea in all of my Kindergarten classrooms I have taught in, and I have used it with my own children, nieces, nephews, and little friends so many times. Simply wrap a piece of duct tape around your child’s waist, sticky side out, and let the collecting begin!
Use a Ziploc Bag with a Face Drawn On
We collected coloured leaves in a ziploc bag near Halloween so made our ziploc look like a jack-o-lantern, but you could also draw on a silly face or a monster face to use this idea any time of the year.
Use Contact Paper on an Easel or Wall
Pop some contact paper, sticky side out, on an outdoor art easel or a wall. Little ones will love running around finding treasures to add to their art wall!
And there you have them! My 6 tried and true ways for collecting all of those nature treasures. I hope one of them is perfect for you and yours.
For those of you still in the thick of things (be it weather or other), hang in their my sweet friend. The sunshine is coming and it is going to be a “BOO-tiful day”
Sending you so much love,
Sarah
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