I’m Liz, your local Nature Makers Activity Provider. I’m also an experienced primary teacher and mum to Freddie (3) and Jack (2) so I’ve seen first-hand the incredible benefits that engaging with nature through art and craft activities can have on the development of little ones. From boosting creativity and focus to supporting emotional intelligence and motor skills, immersing children in the natural world through hands-on exploration is such a powerful way to nurture their growth in the critical early years.
One of the most immediate and obvious impacts is on creativity, which is one of our core values. When children are free to explore natural materials, colours, textures, and shapes at Nature Makers, it opens up a whole world of imagination and self-expression. Whether they’re painting with mud, weaving with leaves and flowers, or sculpting with clay, the process of connecting with the elements of nature and translating that into an artistic form is endlessly inspiring for young minds. I love watching their faces light up as they get lost in the magic of creation, unconstrained by rules or the desire to make something “perfect.”
But the benefits go far beyond just sparking creativity. Time and time again, research has shown that regular exposure to nature has a profoundly calming and grounding effect on children. The sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world help to regulate the nervous system, lowering stress and anxiety levels. By channelling their calming energy into an artistic outlet at Nature Makers, children are able to develop healthy coping mechanisms and emotional intelligence from a very young age. They learn to process their feelings, communicate them through their creations, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
And let’s not forget the boost to motor skills and hand-eye coordination that comes from all that hands-on exploration! Whether it’s the fine motor control needed for delicate tasks like threading leaves or the larger movements involved in outdoor painting, nature-based art activities provide endless opportunities for kids to hone both their gross and fine motor skills. This not only supports their physical development, but also lays the groundwork for academic skills like writing, drawing, and manipulating small objects.
Perhaps most importantly, though, engaging with nature through art at Nature Makers helps to foster a deep appreciation and reverence for the natural world from a very young age. As children connect with the beauty and wonder of their surroundings, they develop a sense of belonging and stewardship that will stay with them for life. They learn to see themselves as an integral part of the ecosystem, not separate from it. And that consciousness, that innate understanding of our interdependence with nature, is perhaps the greatest gift we can give the next generation.
So if you’re looking for a fun, enriching, and developmentally beneficial activity to do with the little ones in your life, you’d be very warmly welcomed at one of our weekly themed sessions or Big Nature Play Days.
