Nature Picture Match
Use natural materials to recreate the simple pictures on the cards. Children can explore shape, pattern and design while discovering how everyday nature finds can become something new.
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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:
Choose one of the nature picture cards.
Look together at the materials used to create the picture.
Encourage your child to find similar natural objects.
Arrange the pieces to copy the picture or pattern.
Once they understand the idea, let them create their own designs.
What's Needed:
Nature picture or pattern cards
Natural loose parts such as leaves, flowers, sticks, stones, grasses or seed pods
A tray, mat or flat play surface
How to Adapt
For younger toddlers: Use very simple cards with just a few large natural pieces and focus on placing rather than perfectly matching the design.
For older children: Encourage them to recreate more detailed pictures, count the pieces they need or design their own nature picture for someone else to copy.
Extend the play: Go on a nature hunt together first to collect the materials, then sort them by colour, size, texture or type before creating your pictures.
Benefits of the Activity
Fine motor skills – develops careful picking and positioning.
Visual matching – encourages children to notice shapes, patterns and details.
Problem-solving – works out which materials could recreate each part.
Creativity – shows that natural materials can be used in many different ways.
