Small Joys - Shapes in Nature
As 2020 continues with its challenges, I’m still looking for small joys every day. It gives me a little something to focus on. Next time you’re out enjoying some time in Nature, why not pay attention to the shapes around you. This is an activity that you can do any time you like, in your backyard or out in the world. Whether your child/ren join you or not, whether they look for their own shapes or the ones you ask for, it doesn’t matter. It’s just about finding a moment of beauty, a moment to make you smile, a moment to take a deep breath and hopefully a moment of contentment with your child/ren or family.
Y-sticks and other letters
If you have any gum trees in your yard, you may have already found a small “c” or a small “e” in a curly leaf? How about a small “r” stick? Y-sticks can be found all over the place! An “F” stick is a prized find, but they are out there somewhere.
If you feel inspired, or your child is interested in their own name, then finding letters can be great fun (and can occupy kids for a reasonable amount of time). The stick/leaf name can even be photographed and made into a sweet piece of art.
Lips, faces and other body parts
Once you start noticing faces, you’ll see them everywhere! In wooden planks, in trees and on bush-walking tracks. All you really need is 3 dots…two for eyes and one for a nose or a mouth and your imagination will do the rest.
Can you see the face of “Grandma Tingle” in this tree?
One eye could be enough…can you see the face in this tree stump??
Love hearts
I know a little boy who finds love-hearts everywhere. Leaves, rocks, flowers…he collects them and gives them to his Mum. It’s very sweet for both of them and just thinking about this exchange is enough to make me smile.
There are so many shapes to be found. I use whatever my family can spot as a small reminder that beauty exists in Nature all around us, we just need to stop and pay attention. This is a lovely way to be mindful, even with busy children around. If your children are interested and involved, then that’s great. If they’re off being amused or absorbed in something else and this activity is just for you, this is also fantastic.
I thought this was a pretty picture, that’s why I put it in.
A final note on “teaching” your children and babies about shapes. I’m a big supporter of play-based learning and don’t think parents need to explicitly “teach” their babies or children. So much learning happens just by being together, talking, playing, singing. If your child is interested in finding shapes with you, then by all means add some language to the things you are finding in your play or exploration. If they’re not interested, then this is perfectly OK too. Follow their lead and do what works for you and your family. Don’t feel like you need to “teach” them about shapes. Just play with your child/ren and use the shapes to guide you in your play.
I hope you enjoy your shape exploration adventures…
