I loooove connecting the seasons with art experiences, John!

Autumn is a wonderful time to bring leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other natural materials to the art table.

It's so easy to get caught up in the world of coloring pages and Pinterest crafts, instead of offering kids what they really need when it comes to art & creativity.

One idea I want to share with you is how important it is to offer kids open-ended art experiences that help them explore the world around them.

In this process, children will explore texture, practice fine motor skills, and exercise independent thinking.

Let's start with the supplies:

★ leaves

★ glue

★ paper or cardboard

★ a paintbrush

So far easy, right?

I love an excuse to get outside in the fall, so we'll begin with a nature walk.

Bring a bag, basket, or bucket, and gather a selection of fall leaves.

Then, back at home or school, clear a table, set up your materials, and invite your child or students to attach leaves to a piece of paper or cardboard.

It may sound too simple, and you may be wondering, "what's the point"?

Well, the best part comes next as you listen to your child explore their materials, observe as they make choices, and listen as they talk about the process of creating.

They might notice the beauty or unique qualities of each leaf,

or invent a song about leaves,

or maybe they'll reject the glue and explore new ways to attach the leaves with tape, a stapler, or...

You can learn so much in these moments and it's a real opportunity to connect!

All the while, they are exercising their creativity.

Stay alert to their questions and observations as they may have big ideas on how to expand this into a drawing, painting, or building project.

It's a simple spark for further discovery.

Try this project ⤵️

Would you like 7 more ways to make open-ended art this fall?

I assembled seven of my favorite fall art explorations into a learning pack, as a creative companion on these chillier days for just $7. Click here to learn more.​

I hope you enjoy this - message me with any questions or ideas.

Warmly,

Rachelle

Founder, TinkerLab

p.s. Feel free to share this email with friends. ❤