Nature Silhouettes

ages 2-6

Supplies

Leaves, sticks, flowers or interesting rocks; white craft paper; paint (regular, non-toxic children's paint or watercolor) and brushes, scotch tape (optional)

Activity Detail

This activity combines the challenge of a nature hunt with the satisfaction of a simple painting project. Help your child to search the yard or park for an interesting stick, flower, leaf, or rock. Once you arrive home, place your child's treasure on a piece of white paper (thick paper will work best). Dip a small- or medium-sized brush in the paint of your choice and let your child flick the paint onto the paper. Try not to bump the paper because it might move your nature find. In fact, you may want to use a small piece of tape to keep items in place that might blow away. After flicking the paint -- you can use one color or multiple colors -- let your child lift off the leaf or flower to reveal the silhouette it has made by blocking the paint from the paper. Enjoy!