Students, accompanied by the teacher, go outside near the school (to a park, courtyard, or forest edge) to collect natural materials such as leaves, stones, branches, and seeds. Upon returning to school (or staying outdoors), they create pictures, small sculptures, land art installations, or other compositions from these materials. They then present their works to each other and discuss their experiences and impressions from the creative process.
Proposed step by step implementation of the learning activity:
The activity consists of three interrelated phases. Each phase plays a crucial role in helping students connect with nature through experiential learning and create original artistic expressions.
- Preparation – Getting in the Mood and Setting Rules (15 min): The teacher initiates a conversation with the students: What counts as a natural material?; What can we find in nature? (leaves, branches, stones, seeds, etc.). The students brainstorm together what they could make from these items. They discuss ethical collection rules, e.g.: Do not pick living plants; Only collect what has already fallen; Avoid disturbing living creatures (insects, snails); Don’t collect sharp or dangerous objects (e.g., broken glass). Each student receives a small bag or folder for collecting. The teacher shows some inspirational images (projected or printed) to spark creativity.
- Material Collection – Nature Walk and Gathering (30 min): Students go out with the teacher and, if possible, another adult, to the schoolyard, nearby park, or forest edge. Their task: collect interesting, beautiful, or uniquely shaped natural materials — ideally a variety (leaves, seeds, branches, stones, flower petals, moss, pinecones, etc.). The teacher walks among them and asks questions like, “What did you find? What could you make from it?” to encourage creative thinking. Important: the activity should not feel rushed, but like a joyful discovery through observation and wonder.
- Creation – Making Compositions from Natural Materials (40 min): The class returns to the classroom or stays outside at a suitable spot (e.g., benches, blankets). Students work individually or in small groups of 2–4. Creative options: Postcard or mandala made from leaves and petals glued onto cardboard; Sculpture or installation built from branches, stones, and seeds; Storytelling picture: a nature scene (e.g., forest, lakeside, animals); The teacher provides materials for assembly (glue, string, scissors), and supports students as needed. Students can freely experiment or ask for thematic suggestions.