Back-to-School Outdoor Play Idea: Nature Designs

ActivitiesBook Excerpt
Children enjoy outdoor play, examining a tree closely with a magnifying glass.

Back-to-school season is here, and while classrooms and homework are important, kids also need space to play and create. Some of the best learning happens outside.

Think about recess—kids gathering sticks, rocks, and leaves, then proudly showing off their “art galleries” under a shady tree. Or a weekend afternoon at home, when the backyard suddenly becomes a canvas for nature-made creations. That’s the magic behind Nature Designs—a simple, fun activity from Josette and Ba Luvmour’s classic book Everyone Wins. Using nothing more than what’s around them, kids can spark creativity, teamwork, and curiosity while building a deeper connection with the natural world.

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Nature Designs

Activity Level: 2 Age Level: 6+
Location: Outside Group Size: 2+
Materials: What nature provides

Game Description

Child in green pants breaking sticks on grass, enjoying outdoor play.

Objective: Each player creates a work of “art” out of natural objects.

Ask all players to walk around the area and observe colorful natural objects (such as branches, twigs, rocks). They can collect these natural objects to create their art piece. Each person then choses a locale (spot in nature), around which they create their work of art.

Give them a time limit and then invite the group to gather and walk around together to look at each creation.

Variations:

Name a theme, such as a geometric or circular design or animal habitats. Limit the kind or number of objects to be used (e.g., only rocks). Works of art can be limited to certain dimensions (e.g., has to be 2 feet high or within a 3-foot square). Use groups of varying sizes for collaborative expression. Ask players to create a story to guide their work, or provide one for them.

Special Hints:

Square frame of sticks with green leaves and a daisy—perfect for outdoor play and nature designs.

Demonstrate to stimulate those who have difficulty getting started. Visit each effort; ask questions, but do not offer advice unless asked to.

The Deeper Study

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About the Author

author Ba Luvmour

Geoffrey “Ba” Luvmour, MA, is an educator, public speaker, author, seminar leader, and consultant, and has worked in just about every phase of life with children and families. He enjoys training educators, including administrators, and teaching as graduate school faculty. Ba has co-founded three schools and a holistic learning center for families and children He the author of six previous books and co-host of the popular podcast series, Meetings with Remarkable Educators. Together with Josette Luvmour, he lives, works, and plays in Portland, Oregon.

author Josette Luvmour

Josette Luvmour, PhD, is a developmental consultant, educator, author, and public speaker, specializing in the fields of human development, adult transformational learning, sustainable family relationships, and how adult and child grow together. She enjoys teaching educators at SelfDesign Graduate University, and over the years, has delighted in sharing her expertise, knowledge, and understanding with adults, family groups, and professionals seeking to deepen self-awareness, enliven optimal well-being, and develop access to innate wisdom. Josette is the author of six previous books, including the Mom’s Choice Award-winning Grow Together, and is co-host of the popular podcast series, Meetings with Remarkable Educators. Together with Ba Luvmour, she lives, works, and plays in Portland, Oregon.

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