August 22nd-26th Family Activities Newsletter

Welcome to the WMHT Family Activities Newsletter.
This weekly family newsletter is providing resources for children’s growing and learning throughout the summer and fall months.
The theme for this week is Art and Nature.
I hope you find this helpful!
Barbara Lukas, Family Learning Coordinator
Theme: Art and Nature
Welcome to family activities with PBS Kids!  Art engages children's senses and supports development of multi-sensory skills. Explore the natural world by connecting art with natural materials.
Two age level areas are available – PreK-K and Grades 1-2. 
PreK-K
Get outside and have fun with nature, using natural objects (leaves, flowers, or anything else!) as brushes or stamps to paint creative art projects. Collect a variety of outdoor objects, cardboard or heavy paper, and paint. Experiment with the different textures of objects you find. What do you see when you press a dandelion on paper versus a pine cone? 
       TP Roll Butterflies
Summer is a time for butterflies. Make your own with simple supplies. Collect cardboard tubes, paint or magic markers, and twigs. You may need adult help cutting the tubes. Be sure to let the paint dry before you glue the parts together!


Grades 1-2
See the trees in your backyard or neighborhood in a new way while creating beautiful, nature-inspired artworks. First gather paper, stiff cardboard, old crayons, and a collecting bag. Then head out into your yard or community park to find trees. Did you collect the leaves and needles to match the rubbings?
    Create a Nature Dragonfly
Combine a nature walk with gathering natural objects for a dragonfly art project. While walking in the park or neighborhood collect twigs, seeds, and a variety of leaves. You may want to paint some of the objects, so be sure to let them dry before you assemble your dragonfly. Did you create other kinds of insects?


Benefits of Going Outside Together
Getting out into nature is a wonderful family activity. It incorporates physical activity, family bonding, and learning. A walk in the park is also a great way to look for object to use in nature crafts. Here are four great ideas for getting outside together.
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