Mini Nature Artists Garden
Toddler and Preschool Sessions
A little look in to what to expect from the upcoming sessions at Mini Nature Artists Garden: Toddler and Preschool Sessions!
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Week Starting 8th September: Signs of the season.
Focus: Observing early autumn
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Children will head out on a nature treasure hunt, collecting the colours and textures of the season. They’ll experiment with clay printing using seed pods and textured items, then collaborate to create a large “tree collage” using sticks and earth paints.
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Benefits: Encourages early observation skills, supports fine motor development, and gently introduces the rhythms of seasonal change.
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Week Starting 15th September:
​Patterns in nature
Focus: Natural Repetition and Design
Using autumnal treasures like pinecones, seeds, and stones, children will explore nature’s patterns by creating mandalas, pressing shapes into clay, and building spirals with land art.
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Benefits: Builds early mathematical thinking, concentration, and a sense of calm through rhythmic, nature-based design.
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Week Starting 22nd September: Autumn Equinox - balance and change
Focus: Seasonal Shifts and Light/Dark
Inspired by the equinox, children will explore light and shadow, create mobiles using balanced natural treasures, and use pipettes to make symmetrical patterns with earth-based paints.
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Benefits: Introduces natural cycles and duality (light/dark), supports hand-eye coordination, and encourages visual expression.
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Week Starting 29th September: Not just a stick...
Focus: Imagination & Open-ended Play
A simple stick becomes the starting point for endless creativity. Children will craft their own nature paintbrushes, sculpt stick creatures, and build small dens for imaginary forest friends.
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Benefits: Nurtures imaginative thinking, storytelling, and independent creative play with minimal materials.
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Week Starting 6th October:
Celebrating grandparents and connection
Focus: Intergenerational Creativity
This special session invites grandparents (or older family members) to join in. Together, families will create shared clay sculptures, work on a collaborative artwork, and enjoy a gentle story circle reflecting on memories.
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Benefits: Encourages empathy, emotional bonding, and meaningful conversation across generations.
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Week Starting 13th October: Pumpkin and spice
Focus: Autumn Harvest & Sensory Play
Children will explore pumpkins inside and out—feeling the pulp, sorting the seeds, and using warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in nature paints. They’ll mix up autumn potions and enjoy a sensory-rich seasonal tray.
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Benefits: Supports sensory integration, fine motor skills, and a joyful connection to autumn’s scents, textures, and colours.
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