Age: 2–6 years
Play Type: Natural Art / Process Art / Texture Exploration
Duration: 20–30 minutes

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Preparation

Natural Materials

• Different leaves
• Grass
• Twigs
• Bark
• Seed pods
• Flowers
• Stones
• Pinecones or other textured natural objects

Art Materials

• Washable tempera/acrylic-free children’s paint
• Large sheets of paper
• Small trays of paint
• Optional: cardboard pieces

Tools

• Paintbrushes
• Sponges
• Wooden sticks
• Aprons
• Washable table covering

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Setup

Instead of putting all the materials into one pile, create a Nature Mark-Making Table.

Place 4–6 natural objects on the table.

Put a small amount of paint into shallow trays.

Place large paper in the centre.

You can label the invitation:

“Can you paint without using a paintbrush?”

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Steps

1. Explore textures
Children touch and examine the natural objects.

2. Test the marks
Dip one object into paint and press it onto paper.

3. Try different movements

• Stamp
• Press
• Drag
• Roll
• Dab
• Scratch

4. Compare marks
Look at the differences between objects.

5. Create a jungle floor
Combine several textures into one artwork.

6. Add details
Children can use twigs or brushes to add lines, trails or patterns.

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Prompts

• “What kind of mark does the leaf make?”
• “Is it smooth or rough?”
• “What happens when you drag it?”
• “Which object makes dots?”
• “Which one makes lines?”
• “Can you make a jungle pattern?”
• “Can you make something that looks like vines?”
• “What does your jungle floor look like?”