Let’s spend some time outdoors and encourage our preschoolers to explore the world around them! Nature sun catchers are a sensory-rich craft that invites preschoolers to collect their favorite twigs, flowers, and leaves to create something magical with their findings.
Why It’s Great for Preschoolers
- Sensory Exploration: Being out in nature engages all of our senses (except taste), allowing your preschooler to become fully immersed in the craft.
- Fine Motor Practice: Peeling, placing, and pressing items strengthens their growing hand muscles, which is great for future scissor and handwriting practice.
- Nature Connection: It encourages curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors, while providing great photo opportunities for you!
- Creative Expression: Children choose their favorite colors, shapes, and arrangements to personalize their craft.
- Language Development: Nature walks provide a great opportunity to talk to your preschoolers about seasons, textures, and colors.
- Emotional Regulation: This craft is a calm, focused activity that supports mindfulness and concentration.
Ready To Connect With Nature? Let’s Get Started!
Supplies
- Clear contact paper (sticky on one side)
- Scissors
- Paper plates (optional, for framing)
- String or ribbon (for hanging)
- Tape (to secure sun catcher to window)
- Natural items: leaves, flower petals, grass, small twigs, herbs, etc.
- Optional: markers or crayons (to decorate the frame)
Directions
- Go on a Nature Walk: Invite children to collect small, flat natural items. Encourage observation and discussion about what colors they see. Ask leading questions about textures and smells to engage their curiosity.
- Prepare the Frame (Optional): Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a circular frame. Let children decorate the rim with crayons or markers.
- Cut Contact Paper: Cut two equal-sized squares or circles of contact paper, slightly larger than the frame opening.
- Stick and Arrange: Peel the backing off one piece of contact paper and place it sticky-side-up on the table. Tape the corners down to keep it from curling. Let children arrange their nature items on the sticky surface however they like.
- Seal the Sun Catcher: Carefully place the second piece of contact paper sticky-side-down on top of the arrangement, pressing gently to seal.
- Attach the Frame (Optional): Tape or glue the paper plate frame around the edges of the sun catcher.
- Hang and Enjoy: Punch a hole at the top and thread string or ribbon through to hang. Tape to a sunny window and watch the light shine through!
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