Nature Faces
A simple open-ended activity where children create faces using natural and sensory materials. There is no “right” way to make the face, making this a lovely activity for creativity, expression and exploration.
Learn what you need to do for this activity
Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Place the cardboard face in front of your child.
Offer a small selection of loose parts.
Let them choose pieces for the eyes, nose, mouth and hair.
Encourage them to move and rearrange the pieces.
Talk about textures, colours and facial features.
Leave loose for repeated play or glue into place.
What's Needed:
Cardboard face templates
Feathers
Small wood slices
Pinecones or seed pods
Glass pebbles or large decorative stones
Leaves or other natural loose parts
Child-safe glue, if you would like to make the design permanent
How to Adapt
For younger toddlers: Use larger, easy-to-handle materials and keep the selection small. Supervise closely, particularly with small loose parts.
For older children: Encourage them to create different emotions, characters or self-portraits using a wider range of natural materials.
Extend the play: Make happy, sad, surprised or silly faces, create portraits of family members, or take the activity outdoors and collect natural materials together before creating.
Benefits of the Activity
Creativity & imagination – encourages individual designs.
Fine motor skills – strengthens little fingers and hands.
Sensory exploration – explores different textures and materials.
Body awareness – supports recognition of facial features.
