Looking fun way to explore nature in a creative way? This is an easy DIY leaf lacing activity you can quickly prep and try at home with your own kids. As we head into spring and nature is changing in many ways, there are lots of ways to transform nature treasures into fun learning activities for kids.
What Do I Need For This Activity?
Gathering the materials for this activity may be your child’s favorite part. Picking out their most favorite leaf or the searching for the biggest leaf or the brightest or most green is a fun outdoor play idea itself. Have your child search for leaves and pick the ones that look the most durable. Today we used magnolia leaves. This beautiful leaf is tough and was easier to lace twine through than other types of leaves.
Other Activities That Focus On Fine Motor Skills
What Is Observation And How Can It Help My Child’s Development?
A great way to plan activities for you and your toddler is to sit back and observe what they are doing and what their interests are. Observation is a powerful tool to use as an educator whether you’re in a classroom or at home. When you allow yourself to sit back and not direct an activitiy or free play it will open your eyes and show you where your child is at developmentally. It will also give you ideas on how you can challenge your child and plan activities around your child’s interests. Doing this makes learning fun and children learn better when having fun.
If you absolutely love the outdoors and nature activities like I do, check out www.tinkergarten.com. It’s an amazing website to sign you and your children up for weekly outdoor classes with other families and a local leader. TinkerGarten is nationwide and all year long so check out your zip code to see if there is a leader near you! We are huge fans of this amazing program and its a great experience for the whole family.
Materials + Directions For DIY Leaf Lacing Activity
Materials
- A Leaf From Outside
- Twine
- A bead (For the end of the twine)
- Hole Puncher
- Scissors (To cut the twine)
Directions
- Cut a piece of twine long enough to fit all the way through the leaf holes.
- Tie a bead to the end of the twine so it doesn’t go through the holes all the way
- Use the hole puncher to make holes in the leaf.
- Set activity on a shelf or give it to them at a table and let them master this activity using their fine motor skills.
Nia C
March 25, 2020This is an awesome idea. It gives us a chance to do a purposeful nature walk then work on crafts and fine motor skills. I love it. I look forward to doing this tomorrow with my Littles!