STORIES FROM NATURE
Unravelling the Stories of Wool through Creative Explorations
New Nature Art Module - Sheep and their stories
In this inspiring Module we explore the fascinating story of Sheep and Wool through creative explorations which will undoubtedly evoke further enquiries into history, culture and storytelling in your classroom.
Here are some of the nature art activities in the Sheep Module:
1. Drawing Sheep indoors and outdoors using charcoal, chalks and paint. By weaving art into the fabric of nature, children develop a profound connection to the world around them.
2. Making Clay Sheep Sculptures leads to playful adventures both indoors and outdoors sparking imaginations and storytelling. As the children sculpt, and create with the treasures of nature, children become stewards of the Earth and great storytellers.
3. Land Art - What might the students create using natural materials after learning about the sheep and how wool from the sheep can make garments of clothing? Creating land art, children become eco-explorers, learning to appreciate and protect the environment. Each placement of a found object becomes a small pledge to care for the Earth.
4. Using patterns from the students' own woollen garments for inspiration, they are invited to create a patterned sheep.
5. Designing our very own Life Size Sweaters using the local landscape as inspiration.
Nature art teaches not just about colors, shapes and patterns but about harmony and balance. It's a dance where every element plays a role, echoing the interconnected dance of life in the natural world.
Elise chose her warm woollen blanket for her inspiration, creating a large watercolour painting of a sheep embellished with the patterns and colours of her favourite blanket. This lead to her sharing stories about her blanket and how important it is to her.
“Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. They help us to understand that information and each other, and it makes the information memorable.”
Christine Hennebury
In the gentle embrace of nature, children find not just a canvas for creativity, but a sanctuary for holistic growth. Nature art isn't merely about crafting beautiful pieces; it's about nurturing young minds and spirits in a way that only the natural world can.