My three children are often filling their pockets with various nature finds when we go hiking. Random rocks, squished flowers, and sticks and feathers come tumbling out when I shake their pants before throwing them into the washer.
I often feel guilty just tossing these “treasures” into the trash can, but our dedicated nature space in our school room can only hold so much. I wanted them to have a special place to keep their items, so each child created a cardboard display box. It cost nothing, but it was fun to observe their creativity on display as much as their precious nature finds.
Does your child also need a place to house all their nature treasures? Instead of recycling that empty cereal box or Amazon package, let your child use it to create their own nature display.
SUPPLIES
- Various sizes of cardboard boxes (thicker, corrugated pieces work best for the dividers)
- Scissors or box cutters (adult help needed!)
- Hot glue gun or clear tape
- Optional: scrapbook paper, all-purpose glue such as Aleene’s Tacky Glue, craft paint, index cards for labels, double-sided tape
4. Optional: Decorate your cardboard nature display. Glue colorful scrapbook paper around the outside using an all-purpose glue or opt to paint your display using craft paint.
5. Place your nature finds into each compartment, and add labels. Attach double-sided tape to your items if you plan to display your box upright.
6. Now you’re ready to share your box with family and friends! Add to your box for a season. Then take a picture of it to document your treasures before emptying it out for the next season. Glue these photos into your nature journal, and observe how your items may have changed from one season to the next.
