This play idea fits into the stuff to build category. I can always get kids excited about this project -- no matter where we are and no matter the age of the kids. It's one of those quieter outdoor activities, but it can only be done at the park or in the backyard where there's a large palette of nature items. The kids are very deliberate in their choices and proud of the results. This is much more simple than building mouse or fairy houses.
Have the kids help you pick a nice spot. We like the sand. Then I sit with them while they collect "treasures" from all around the park. They bring it back to the spot and carefully places it in their "garden" or "home" or whatever they are choosing to make-believe that day. Depending on the age, I slowly back away and let them get lost in the activity with their siblings, cousins, or friends.
The featured photo was some sort of home where they even used quills (feathers) to write letters on a piece of plywood that had washed up on the beach.
This next photo is sweet little garden using pine needles, pine cones, sticks and leaves. I love the dandelion in the pine cone.
I took this photo when we visited a nearby park at the end of the day. Another little boy or girl had been having the same kind of fun that we do finding stuff to build. A campfire maybe?
Let the kids get creative and lead the way. This is an especially great project for "collectors." You know? The kids who want to bring all their treasures home from the park. Have them build something and then take a photo to put in an album for them.
Originally published in May 2011.
