Nature Tray

Here’s this week’s practical tip ~

A simple little plastic tray is a wonderful collection holder for the week’s nature finds. Inspired by Celeste (a mommy to 6 little kiddies under 8!) of Joyous Lessons, her tip has been a very practical help in our homeschooling.

Here’s how it works ~

Place the tray at a suitable height for young kids to see and feel and add odds and ends daily.
Great for little kiddies who love to collect and want to show and share with others.
Good to hold items for further magnified glass or detailed observations.
Name, group and classify some of the nature finds and read up about them in reference books. Normally I look up biological names, but don’t expect my kiddies to do so too.
Sketch, paint or draw and label something each week from the nature tray. This is great for older teens (or mom) who does not find their own nature items each week, but still want to journal in their nature journal.
Clear the tray each week. Pack things in Ziplock bags, boxes or envelopes in a nature storage box.
An empty tray is a great reminder to get outside and go on a nature walk!