Earth Day is Monday, April 22nd. With spring in the air, this is a great day to take time to appreciate nature and it's importance in our lives. And of course "nature crafts" are perfect for doing just that. Possibilities for nature inspired crafts are endless and will bring happiness to all who do them, whether they include painting landscapes, photographing trees and flowers, making floral arrangements, repurposing discarded items or planting seeds. Here is a project idea that combines exploring nature and using nature to inspire creativity.
Try a Nature Scavenger Hunt! Prepare a list for your Nature Scavenger Hunt or use our handout. Have students go outside and find the various items listed. When preparing a list of items to find, you can use visuals (pictures), riddles, descriptions or simple words. When using descriptions (as I used), some item descriptions are very specific (concrete) and some are open to interpretation to the students. Collect the items. When the list is complete, lay all the items out in a quiet area, class room, or outside. Have the students then use the items to tell a story. Each student can choose (or be given) one of the collected items and create a line or part to the story...
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crafts, earth day, nature
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Not all stories this month are happy ones. As Autism Awareness Month begins, we will see the parade of stories with happy endings and triumph. The news media loves to showcase heart-warming stories of the parent who cured her child, the child who did not speak now completing college, or the kindhearted waiter (sports team, school children, etc.) coming to the rescue. Some people will proclaim their children's disability as a blessing. And self-proclaimed advocates will do their best to empower and inspire. All of these things are welcome gestures and wonderful to hear. But sometimes, they do not address the true story of Autism for many families. Here is the reality for some. Some children will never speak. Some will never attend a typical classroom or school. Some will never be on a sports team. Some will never live independently. Some will never go on a date or to a prom. Some will never get married. Some will never get a paycheck. Some will never drive. Some will never go to college. Some will never be understood. Some will never have people learn who...
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autism awareness month
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