Location: Yard, Garden, Indoors
Time: 5-25 min
Feature: Rainy day

Activity 

Offer natural items like wood slices, leaves, clay, or edible plants like mint for children to explore with their senses. Mirror their movements and use your language to narrate what is happening. “I notice that you squashed that dry leaf between your fingers. I will try that too. It made a crunch sound!” 

Materials 

For this activity, you only need what nature provides! Be careful to choose natural items that are too big for baby to swallow, like large pinecones, shells, or leaves. Avoid items like acorns, buckeyes, or small stones until baby is older.

Skill Building

By exploring together and narrating the experience, you build language, connection, and curiosity.