NATURE ACTIVITY
SKETCH A PLANT
“Hello, Barbara, have you seen Moon Bird. I have a nature activity for him, but I can't find him anywhere.”
“Hi, Running Deer. I think Moon Bird is working with Bob on a nature activiey in another part of the web site. They’ve been at it for a long time.”
“Oh, I see. What are you doing, Barbara?”
“I’m just getting started on a new activity for the children. It will be about plants. Would you like to help?”
“I sure would. I love being around plants! Let me look at the headline to see what it is called. Sketch A Plant. I like how that sounds, but how does it go?
For this nature activity you will need a pencil and a drawing pad or any other pad of paper. You do not need to be an artist. A simple sketch is all that is necessary. Take a short walk around your house or in a nearby park or patch of woods. Keep your eyes open for a plant or flower that catches your attention. It doesn’t matter what it is. Find one that feels good to you, then you know that you have the right one.
When you find your “feel good” plant or flower sit down next to it. Don’t draw right away. Get to know your plant first. Look at where it is growing. Is it in a sunny spot or shady? Is it alone or with other plants? Is it tall or short? Does it make you feel good to sit with it?
Now you can sketch. Please do not be concerned with making it perfect. Focus on a few things. Look at the leaves: What is their shape? What color are they? Are the edges smooth or toothed? How about the stem: Is it thick or thin? Round or square? Hairy or smooth? What color is it? Don’t forget the flowers. How many petals does it have? What color is it? What is its shape? Where on the plant do they grow from?
Do this nature activity with at least three different plants or flowers. One a day is enough, but if you want to, you can do all three at the same time. Now it’s time to go outside and find a plant. Any questions before you begin?
“Can I add something here, Barbara?”
“Sure, Running Deer. I’m glad to have your help.”
“Thank you. Do you know the feeling that most of us get when we look into the forest? It looks like a big green wall, way too much to take in all at once. Well, you don’t have to. You can learn about nature one plant at a time. The first thing to do is to learn how to see just one plant. That’s why we Sketch A Plant. It’s a great way to learn the details. After sketching just a few, you will begin to see how one plant is different from another. Before you know it, when you look into a forest you will be seeing individual plants, rather than a big green wall.”
That was very helpful, Running Deer. Now let’s turn it over to the kids! Go out and find those plants. Please let us know how this nature activity went for you. You can fill in the simple form below to do this. Ask you parents if this is ok.Tell us about your plant. How big was it? Where did it grow? What were the colors like? Do you think it likes the sun or the shade? What were the leaves, stem, and flowers like? We will not give your email address to anyone for any reason.
For another nature activity, click here.
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