9 Ways to Play With Nature Indoors

Kate and I have put together a short slideshow sharing nine ways to add a little spot of nature to your play indoors. Something which is fun to do any day but which I expecially try and do whenever our outside time is cut short thanks to adverse weather!

*If you are reading this via RSS or email you will need to click through to the post to see the actual slideshow.

• Tree blocks

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshow-blocks.jpg

  Tree blocks (whether purchased commercially or homemade) are wonderful for challenging a child's constructing abilities due to their irregular sizes. Read more about tree blocks in this post. ~ Christie, Childhood 101

  

• Sand

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowsand.jpg

  To a tray of sand add the vehicles or figurines of your choice. Leaves for trees, stones and wooden block shapes optional! Read more about sand play here. ~Kate, Picklebums

  

• Shells

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshow-shells.jpg

  Pop down a towel, a basin of warm, soapy water, facecloth and some shells as an invitation to wash the shells. ~ Christie, Childhood 101

  

• Greenery

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowdinos.jpg

  Add interesting foliage and some pine cones to incorporate natural elements into imaginary play scenes. ~ Kate, Picklebums

  

• Stones

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshow-stones.jpg

  To make story stones, use paint pens to draw simple story elements directly onto flat stones. Read more about story stones in this post. ~ Christie, Childhood 101

  

• Water

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowwater.jpg

  Even if it doesn't freeze over or snow at your house, you can still create an icy winter wonderland indoors with some ice blocks, stones and your favourite cold water figurines in a tub. Read more here. ~ Kate, Picklebums

  

• Rice

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshow-rice.jpg

  Pop onto a mess mat a deep sided tray of rice and some small containers, bottles, lids, scoops and spoons. Read more about rice play here. ~ Christie, Childhood 101

  

• Leaves

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowcrown.jpg

  Leaves are great for creative projects, whether they be used for collage, or as a surface for drawing or painting on. Read more about making your own Autumn crown here. ~ Kate, Picklebums

  

• Branches

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowtreehouse.jpg

  Recycle pruned branches to make a tree house just right for imaginary play. Read more about making a tree house of your own here. ~ Christie, Childhood 101

  

• How do you add elements of nature to your indoor play?

  http://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/slideshowtigers.jpg
  

Related Posts

• Getting Little Bodies Moving When It’s Too Cold (or Hot) Outdoors
• Elements for Creating Play Scenes & Invitations to Play
• Getting Outside When It’s Cold
• 20 Ways to Get Arty Outdoors

Tagged as: nature play