The Simple Set-Up Series: Nature Confetti

I'm starting a new series based on simple set-ups that you can provide in any early education and care service, or even at home. The truth is that we don't need an abundance of expensive resources - sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that spark the most curiosity, joy and play. 

Nature Confetti

Resources Needed:

• Fallen Leaves or Flower Petals (Free)
• Basket/Bowl (<$5 at an Op-Shop)
• Hole Punches (From $2.99 at Officeworks. Also keep an eye out in op-shops, we recently got some high quality craft punches for just a few dollars, and they were brand new!)
  

Instructions: 

1. Fill a basket with fallen leaves of varying size, shape and colour
2. Place the basket and a couple of hole punches on the floor, on a rug, on the grass, on a table - wherever works in your space. 
3. Give children time to discover - some may know instantly how to use a hole punch, others may benefit from some modelling

And that's it. 

Where could it go? 

The joy in this experience is that yes, you can make nature confetti. But you could also make something to weave through (children can seek out their own sticks, string, grass etc to weave through the holes), or enjoy rich discussion about the leaves (colour, texture, shape etc), or create a storytelling prop (a holey leaf makes for a great "Very Hungry Caterpillar prop), or any number of different ideas!

There are a whole nuch of developmental benefits too, including: 

• Strengthening grip 
• Developing dexterity
• Matching skills (just yesterday I watched a child search for the confetti that had come from his specific leaf, in a bowl with other leaf confetti. He was delighted when he found the one that "matches perfect" )
• STEM learning
• Focus and Concentration
• Hand-Eye coordination
• Bilateral coordination (using both hands together) 
• Development of the proprioceptive sense
• Calming - an opportunity to slow down

As you can see, this simple set-up has a lot of benefits, and can bring a lot of joy and relaxation for children (and adults - if you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should!)