5 Nature Inspired Gratitude Activities and Crafts for Kids
Fall Gratitude Activities and Crafts in Nature
November is that time of year when we intentionally reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Truthfully, gratitude doesn’t always come naturally to us, let alone our children. We need to be intentional about making gratitude a part of our every day routine. Gratitude is linked to some amazing benefits: improved physical health, enhanced empathy, reduce materialism, greater contentment, appreciation of good experiences, and stronger relationships.
Slowing down and carving out time to create positive memories and shared experiences in nature is a wonderful way to foster gratitude. These activities can help teach mindfulness and create a deep appreciation for nature. Here are 5 outdoor gratitude activities to try this November with your family.
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1. Gratitude Cairns
We recently visited Mackinac Island in Michigan where we spotted dozens of stones stacked along the rocky shoreline. Intrigued, my children and I researched the history behind these stacked piles. The word cairn originates from Scottish Gaelic. A cairn is a man-made pile of stones stacked for a purpose, usually as a marker. These piles can be a solo cairn or grouped in clusters. Many different cultures around the world have created them for differing purposes. Sometimes these cairns are placed along trails for navigational purposes, near water or by trails.
Another example is in biblical times, Ebenezer stones were constructed after a fulfillment of a promise. The word Ebenezer translates to "Stone of Help." The piled stones were a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness.
This month spend some time outdoors and create your own cairn in your backyard. After collecting stones, use a marker to write something you are thankful for on each stone. Every day write a new word and stack them up. Each child can create their own pile or one large one for the entire family.
Side Note: It is illegal to rock stack in National Parks. Also be aware if you decide to create them in a public space or forest to make sure to practice Leave No Trace and return the area to its original state.
2. Painted Leaf Activity
Painted leaf gratitude activity
During a nature hike or while in the backyard spend some time collecting colorful leaves. First select leaves without holes or rips. With a white paint pen decorate the leaves and write things that you are thankful for on each leaf.
If you want to save your leaves with those beautiful jewel tones, you can preserve fall leaves in glycerin with this simple tutorial. Utilize twine or string to hang the leaves by their stems and display them as a decoration for the fall season. Another option is find a large branch or a tree in your yard to hang all your painted leaves upon and create a lovely reminder during November.
3. Serving Others
Helping others has tons of advantages.
1. It feels good
2. It creates a sense of community and belonging
3. It gives you a sense of purpose
4. Helps you keep things in perspective
5. Creates gratitude for all we possess
Brainstorm with your children how you can serve other people, the earth or help animals in your community. Some examples could be raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, cleaning up your yard, or picking up trash.
Making a bird feeder is another idea that heightens children’s awareness of animals and caring for God’s creatures. Here are two different types of bird feeders to make, Pinecone Bird Feeders and Tiki Hut Bird Feeders with detailed instructions.
Need additional ideas check out 25 Ways to Make the World a More Beautiful Place: Inspired by Miss Rumphius.
I love that serving others can also help to create empathy. By lifting our eyes and focus outwards to others needs, we in turn learn to appreciate what we already possess.
4. Gratitude Nature Journals
It’s natural to be self focused. To help combat our natural tendencies, incorporating gratitude practices into our daily routines provide the perfect opportunities to start building in these reminders.
Purpose Create a gratitude nature journal with your children this month. Life is busy, but we all can carve out 5 minutes to model and teach our children to practice quiet reflection. Chose a specific time of day to start this habit, perhaps after dinner or when schoolwork is done.
Materials Needed: Color pencils and notebook/ journal. We love these simple sketchpads for our nature journals.
Directions: The act of drawing will naturally allow children to slow down, yet it still provides little hands something to do while they process what they are grateful for. Each day take time to head outside and draw for an allotted time e.g. 5 minutes. If children are younger, start with a smaller amount of time and gradually build up. Mommas, don’t forget to take time to also have your own nature gratitude journal.
Allow yourself and your children to look around, relax and get comfortable. Prompt them to find something they are grateful for in nature and draw it. If they are older than they can describe it or write about it.
Keep up this daily habit. Even if the weather is uncooperative, sit by a window for your reflection time. During lunch or dinner is an ideal time to continue the conversation and allow them to share with the family what they have drawn.
5. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt and Picnic
Collect a simple picnic and head to your favorite trail or local park. If it is a cooler day take a thermos of hot chocolate for a special treat. Getting outside in nature, exercising and practicing gratitude packs a powerful punch for your mental and physical health.
Crisp fall days are the perfect time to savor the beauty of the season by participating in a gratitude scavenger hunt. Head out during that magical golden hour and enjoy the changing colors as the sun highlights the glorious yellows, vibrant oranges, and deep reds. You can’t help but be grateful.
Allow children to search and locate all the items on the Nature Scavenger Hunt. Some examples include; find something that is useful, locate something that is your favorite color, name something that is good for your body. There are several ways your children can complete their card. There is no right way, so utilize this scavenger hunt whatever way works best for the ages of your children.
Possible Options For Completing the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Draw a picture in the box
Write the name of the object in the boxes as they complete each box
Simply check off each box as you complete it.
We’ve created this fall printable. Simply download and print the Free Gratitude Scavenger Hunt to enjoy with your children on your outdoor adventures.
Closing Thoughts
So how will you demonstrate a grateful heart posture through words and actions this year? We hope these activities help your family to get outside and enjoy nature together this season. If you’re desiring more fall activities and opportunities to learn about the cultural significance of holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween, check out these additional Fall Activity Ideas by Elly Elementary. here is a post for kids or want to dive deeper into learning about Thanksgivings
As the days continue to grow colder it can be a challenge to spend time outdoors. If you’re looking for some creative ideas for this winter, here are Winter Outdoor Activities that will inspire your kids to get outside.
If you enjoyed this post make sure to pin and save for later. Follow Discovering Anew for more outdoor activities, camping trips and crafts for kids. If you’re searching for your next family vacation or camping spot, then check the blog for our favorite Midwest family destinations.
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