Not only can natural materials be used in the learning program and throughout the classroom, but they are also fundamental in connecting children and teachers to place. By immersing ourselves in the simplicity of its beauty, nature provides children and teachers with the opportunity to connect to the land they are on whilst being respectful towards their environment.

Upon reflection, what is so unique about nature and natural materials, is they are versatile. Whether using them for art and craft, music or even throughout dramatic play, the possibilities seem endless. Because natural materials are all around us, it can foster child-led learning, meaning they are encouraged to make independent choices about when, how, and why they may use these materials. In turn, this allows for open ended exploration, drawing upon memories, actions, stories, and communication (Pacini-Ketchabaw, Kind & Kocher 2016, p.10).

For this assignment I will be using my creative uniqueness, using nature (paper, leaves, bark, water, clay, recycled materials) to explore art and craft, movement, drama, and music. 

I was drawn to using the materials I collected as natural paint brushes. Unintentionally using the colours orange, yellow and blue, I started pressing and swiping the leaves and flowers across the paper. It was beautiful to see how the painting started to unfold. I allowed the movement of the leaves, and the flowers take control. I noticed how the paint grasped to them, leaving a sprinkle of vibrancy. 

The colours crossed paths along the white paper with the orange paint intertwining with the blue and yellow. Traces were left behind and the white paper now has its own story. It was a piece of experimentation between paper and nature.  

Once I smoothed the clay out, I begun pressing the leaves into the clay. I found it satisfying peeling the leaves out. The imprints were unique, and no lines were the same. The smell of the leaves oozed into the crevasses of the clay, giving the clay a pleasant smell.   

I would encourage the children to utilise a variety of natural materials as part of their clay exploration. Sand. leaves and bark can be found in the kindergarten yard, so children may want to utilise these natural materials along with clay. Clay also opens the path for scientific exploration, making new discoveries and meaning. I would set up ongoing learning where children can observe, make predictions about differences e.g., this may involve exploring consistency/ texture when clay is wet or dry. Because clay supports open ended exploration, children’s creativity, imagination and representation of ideas are supported. 

Nature and natural resources offer endless possibilities for children’s learning. What I believe to be so unique about nature, is that no matter where you may be, natural materials surround us all and art is always going to on the paths we cross.