Nature Shape Puzzle Activity

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The easy and involving of this puzzle using the Nature Shape Puzzles is enough to take nature and in place of learning during the play. And it keeps children curious about the world around them, helps reinforce key developmental skills, and adds a much needed bit of screen time to the day.

The best part about this activity is that the children may participate in every little bit of establishing it.

Instructions:

Gather Nature Items:
Head outside and collect a variety of natural objects with your child. Look for items like:

• Sticks
• Rocks
• Flowers
• Acorns
• Pinecones
• Leaves
• Bark
• Feathers

Choose items of different sizes and shapes for variety.

Arrange on Cardboard:
Lay out the collected nature items on a piece of cardboard or cardstock. Space them out so they don’t overlap.

Trace the Shapes:

Remove and Mix:
Take the nature items off the cardboard. Scramble them up and lay them on the side of the board.

Match the Puzzle:

Show your child the figures and encourage him/her to match one of the items to the shape. Give them encouragement to compare and contrast size, curves and textures to identify the right spot.

The positives of the Nature Puzzle:

• Increases Visual Discrimination: Children learn to notice things such as shape, size, and texture in order to create the right match.
• Improves Fine Motor Skills: The process of picking up and delicately adding objects to the outlines enhances motor skills of the fingers into developed strength and coordination.
• Promotes Nature Play: Collecting materials found in nature will provide children with an opportunity to experience the outdoors and get in touch with nature.
• Fosters Problem Solving: Categorizing the items to shapes enlightens problem solving skills and determination.
• Relaxing and Aware: The feel and the silence of the action can be calming and assist children to start taking their time and concentrate.

Why Parents Will Love It:

• No special materials required – just cardboard and collected natural items.
• Screen-free fun that accesses learning.
• Good for outside bonding and good use for conversation starters on nature/seasons.

Why Educators Should Try It:

• Strengthens the visual discrimination and the recognition of shapes.
• Simple to customize in form of multiple ages and skill levels.
• Blends scientific understanding and exploration of senses with early learning requirements.

Why Occupational Therapists Will Love It:

• Promotes fine-motor skills as children have to move things around to fit.
• Builds hand eye coordination and grasp.
• Supports natural sensory control and relaxed attention.
• Perfect to use during OT with little preparation.

It is a great combination of nature, learning, and developmental activity and is an excellent hands-on activity. As a parent, teacher, or therapist, it is easy to get the kids involved and have a bit of an outdoor adventure along the way with the Nature Shape Puzzle!

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