Nature Play Kit

Timeline: 5 Weeks

For Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens, NY

The Nature Play Kit facilitates open-ended play with found objects in nature for the purpose of building a child’s connection to their natural environment. Based on the idea of “Loose Parts”, the kit promotes problem solving and theoretical reasoning for kids age 3-10.

 
 
 
 
 

Facilitating Open-Ended Nature Play

 
 
 

Integrated Compartments

 
 
 

1) Create

 
 
 

Twig Connectors

Create forms from “Loose Parts”* during your visit to Alley Pond.

*“natural or synthetic found, bought, or upcycled materials that children can move, manipulate, control and change within their play”

 

try making…

 
 

2) Collect

 

Secure While Moving Around

The collection board is made out of an elastic mesh that will securely hold your found items in place while you explore nature.

 
 
 

A Snapshot of the Day

With the ‘What Does Alley Pond Look Like Today?’ activity attached behind the collection board, you can collect as you walk, creating a seasonal record of your visit

 
 
 

3) Preserve

 

How to Do a Solar Print

 
 

How to do a Leaf Rubbing