26
06, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 8) Woodland Mapping
Our ancestors lived in forests, they had to be near certain things so they could survive. Can you think of what these things might be? Water food (nuts, berries) wood for the fire, materials like sticks logs to build a shelter Human survival has always been linked to the land, understanding it and co-operating in [...]
19
06, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 7) Meet a Tree
This activity is done in groups of 2. One person is blindfolded and the other is their guide. The guide leads their partner to a tree of their choice. The blindfolded child has time to explore the tree with their senses for 5 – 10 minutes before being called back to the base camp. A [...]
2
06, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 6) Den Building
Building dens allows children to access their innate connection to building shelters and structures, something our ancestors have been doing throughout the history of mankind. It offers a safe space, a sanctuary, a hideout and a place where they can connect to the natural world in their own unique way. These private spaces are important [...]
15
05, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 5) Mud Play
Mud play stimulates creativity and imagination in children and it facilitates open-ended play, communication, collaboration and physical activity. LOCATION: anywhere that has space for a mud patch AGE: toddlers + DEVELOPMENT: nature connection, building strong immune systems, cognitive development KIT: water, old kitchen utensils, digging trowel All you need to do is find a space [...]
7
05, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 4) Mandala Nature Art
The word mandala is a Sanskrit term that means “circle”. Mandala patterns are everywhere in nature, in petals of a flowers and in the rings of a tree, spiderwebs and seashells. Making nature art is special because it helps us see that we can make something beautiful using just what we have in the outdoors. [...]
28
04, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 3) Sit Spot
Sit spots are a great way to build meaningful connections with nature and to find a place of stillness within yourself. Anywhere can be a sit spot, finding a place surrounded by nature helps with the feeling of relaxation and timelessness. LOCATION: a woodland or anywhere that is surrounded by nature AGE: 4+ (younger children [...]
17
04, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 2) Scavenger Hunt
This outdoor activity is often used in forest schools. It encourages nature connection and free exploration through meaningful encounters with the environment. LOCATION: Ideally in a woodland or somewhere with biodiversity AGE: 6+ (for younger kids still learning to read, you can call out the words on the list) DEVELOPMENT: Curiosity, nature connection, exercise, teamwork, communication [...]
10
04, 2020
Nature Connection Series – 1) Journey Stick
This is a walking activity that allows children free exploration of the natural world, picking up things along the way that inspire them for their own personal reasons. This activity encourages children to be wholly present, looking, seeing, touching, smelling and encountering the natural world fully. Native Aboriginals used “journey sticks” to record their travels [...]
26
01, 2018
10 Fun Gardening Projects for Children
1. Watch a Seed Sprout This is a good project to do first with new little gardeners, so they have an understanding what’s happening with the seeds they can’t see under the soil. Fill a transparent plastic cup with potting compost and push a large seed, like a pea or bean, into the compost right [...]
11
05, 2016
School gardening with The Irish Seed Savers
Do you know a school in the Co Clare, Co. limerick, Co. Tipperary region that would like a visit from our Education Coordinator? Áine can be booked under ‘The Heritage In Schools’ scheme and the visits are part funded by the Heritage Council. Áine is one of the authors of our popular book 'The Year [...]
