November days are a time for spectacular walks outdoors. Seeds are scattered in woods and fields, and color is still sweeping through neighborhoods. It's a time not to rush but to savor nature.
When you return with your children from one of your treks with pockets full of treasures, try one of these activities:- Save your collected leaves by pressing them with a warm iron between two sheets of wax paper. Trim the paper around the leaves and send them to relatives in sunny condos!
- Create a nature table to display your collectible finds such as seeds, pods and acorns. Egg cartons are an ideal sorting bin. Your treasures can be good conversation starters on another day. Ask your child questions that help relive the experiences you shared together. For example, "Where did we find the acorns? What else did we see that day? What did we do when it started to rain?"
- If you took photos on your walk, let your child pick a favorite and mount it in an inexpensive glass frame with clips (available at discount stores). Decorate the glass part of the frame with your collected sticks and tiny treasures. Line up two or three thin sticks on each side of the frame, overlapping them at the corners. Glue in place. Add acorns, tiny pine cones and dried berries for a final touch.
1996 King Features Syndicate Inc.