Weekly, Ongoing-The Art in Nature Program Part II ™: Ages 5-9

Nature provides diverse opportunities for children to develop new concepts, engage in collaborative studies and to learn about the world around them.  The Art in Nature Program™ encourages children to see the art in nature, to develop a sense of awe and appreciation and inspiration and to acquire experience working with an array of artist materials. This art & nature based program facilitates learning experiences for the child to see the elements of art and the principles of design featured in nature.    The Art in Nature Program™ is aligned with environmental education...  it blends well with the Waldorf pedagogies ( emphasizing learning opportunities for children to develop their imagination and creativity ), as well as with the Reggio Emilia Inspired approaches to education ( where the environment is considered to be the 3rd educator in a child's life, and emphasis is placed upon self- expression , building relationships and cultivating a deep respect for the natural world).  My Art in Nature Program, is designed to integrate a myriad of academic subjects with developmental appropriate learning experiences; connecting children with nature using the visual arts as the conduit.

Below is the weekly lesson focus with suggested materials
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Week 1:   
Lesson:  Color Expressions:  Tints, Blends, Shades
Materials:   Paint ( red, yellow, blue, white, black), paper- or canvas/ canvas paper/ canvas board ( you choice of one ), paintbrushes, water cup to rinse colors and brushes, smocks, table protection, pens


Week 2:   
Lesson: Exploration of Color & Light
Materials:   Long, narrow tube that a child can easily hold - plastic or cardboard ( ex:  paper-towel tube, cleaning-wipes tube), shimmery scrap-book paper or tinfoil, colorful tissue paper, and/or glitter, and/or sequins, clear glue and/or clear packing tape, or clear contact paper, hole- puncher or another way to make a hole in paper or plastic lid
* Parental Guidance Needed*- cutting paper, creating hole in paper or plastic lid with hole-puncher; please see pdf in classroom
** Optional materials** :  prisms, mirrors


Week 3:   
Lesson:   Earth Colors
Materials:  Black Paper, Hard pastels- chalk form



Week 4:  
Lesson:  Color Exploration in Nature
Materials:  Glue, paper, assorted natural materials- your choice, paint ( red, blue, yellow, white, black), paintbrushes, water cup to rinse, smocks, table protection, pens


Week 5:  
 Lesson: Color & Pattern Exploration in Living Creatures- Amphibians
Materials: Oil pastels, paper - or canvas/ canvas paper/ canvas board ( you choice of one ), pens


Week 6:    
Lesson:  Patterns of Living Creatures- Birds
Materials:   Water-colors, brushes, water to rinse, paper - or canvas/ canvas paper/ canvas board ( you choice of one ), pens


Week 7:                
Lesson: Color & Pattern Exploration in Living Creatures- Insects
Materials:  Oil pastels, paper - or canvas/ canvas paper/ canvas board ( you choice of one ), pens


 Week 8:              
Lesson:  Color & Pattern Exploration with Ocean Plants
Materials: Paint ( red, blue, yellow, white, black) paintbrushes, water to rinse, smocks, paper - or canvas/ canvas paper/ canvas board ( you choice of one ), oil pastels or crayons, sponges/ paper towels/facial tissue ( 2/3 pieces), mixing trays for paint or mixing bowls

Week 9:           
Lesson:  Exploration of the Art in Cloud Forms 
Materials:  Shaving cream, white glue, mixing bowl, spoon, cotton balls ( 2-3), blue paper (construction paper), white paint, oil pastels or crayons or markers


Week 10:            
Lesson:  Exploration of the Art in Liquid Forms
Materials:  Watercolor paper, water-colors or watered- down food coloring in containers, pipettes/ eye-droppers and/ or straws


Week 11:          
Lesson:   Color & Form on Earth
Materials: Air-dry clay or home made air dry clay ( I will show how to make in class), natural materials of choice ( ex:  small bits of flowers, flower petals, leaves/grasses)
* Optional Material:  Home -made air-dry clay...Ingredients:  water, flour, sands or coffee grounds or soils, white glue, mixing bowl


Week 12:          
Lesson:   Silhouettes
Materials:  Home-made Ink ( we will make together in class)  or watery paint colors of black, white, brown and purple, paper, paintbrushes, markers or pens.
Ingredients for ink: fresh blackberries, salt, vinegar, sieve and bowl, spoon
** Optional Materials**- gloves for hands ( ink will stain for a few days), smocks, table coverings