Creating Centerpieces

LESSON 4

Children develop an appreciation for nature's beauty and express their creativity through crafting centerpieces for the harvest feast.

  • Vases or containers (one per child)

  • Scissors

  • Natural elements like branches, leaves, flowers, or greenery

Materials

  • Gather materials

  • Plan a nature walk to a natural outdoor area for foraging, or a visit to a store to purchase natural elements and greenery for centerpieces. 

Preparations

  • Guide children in connecting with nature through either foraging or selecting natural elements, promoting an appreciation for the environment and the beauty it provides.

  • Encourage and support children's creative expression, helping them make design choices and assemble unique centerpieces.

  • Provide an educational experience on responsible foraging practices, environmental respect, and nature preservation, helping children become responsible stewards of the environment.

  • Encourage children to share their thoughts and ideas about their centerpieces, fostering their communication and expressive abilities.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children connect with nature through foraging or selecting natural elements, developing an appreciation for the environment and its contributions to our lives.

  • Children demonstrate creativity and self-expression as they design and assemble their individual centerpieces.

  • Children engage in hands-on learning about responsible foraging practices, environmental respect, and the importance of preserving natural spaces.

  • Children communicate their thoughts and ideas about their centerpieces, fostering the ability to express themselves and share their inspirations with others.

  • Children gain a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to the preparation of the special feast.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Come up with actions to the poem and practice saying it together.

Daily Thanksgiving

For the golden corn,

For the apples on the trees,

For the golden butter,

For the honey from the bees,

For the fruits and nuts and berries

That grow along the way

For the birds and bees and flowers,

We give thanks every day!

Activity Flow

  1. Explain to the children that, to continue getting ready for the special feast, today's activity involves creating centerpieces for the table. These centerpieces will add beauty to our celebration.

  2. Depending on your location, decide whether to go foraging in a natural outdoor area or visit a local grocery store or flower shop to acquire greenery and natural elements. If foraging, emphasize the importance of being mindful and respectful of the environment.

  3. If foraging, go on a nature walk to collect branches, leaves, flowers, or anything else you find beautiful. Allow the children to explore and select items that appeal to them. If visiting a store, let the children choose their preferred greenery and natural elements.

  4. Once you have gathered what you need, return home and prepare the workspace for arranging the centerpieces.

  5. Provide each child with a vase or container. Encourage the children to use their creativity and arrange the greenery and natural elements in their chosen vase. They can cut the elements to the desired length using scissors. Assist them in cutting if needed. Optionally, they can use ribbon or twine to add a decorative touch.

  6. After creating the centerpieces, have each child share what inspired their design and what they like about their centerpiece. Discuss the importance of nature in celebration and how these centerpieces contribute to the special feast's atmosphere.

  7. Assist the children in cleaning up the workspace and disposing of any trimmings or waste responsibly.