This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to sort items from the outdoors and explore objects from nature with their senses.

Materials Needed:

• Clear bags

Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction.

Directions:

1. Take a nature walk outside. Give your child a clear bag to collect small rocks, leaves, and other objects found in nature. Ask, what sorts of animals use the items you are collecting to build their homes?
2. When you return home, lay the found objects out on a table where your child can touch them.
3. Ask, how does the leaf feel? What happens to the leaf when you hold it and close your hand? How does the rock feel?