Nature Table

This is our nature table.  Actually, it started off as just a table by the back door with an artificial topiary that I liked to decorate for the different seasonal holidays.  I had not really heard of a nature table before, but as my son began briging home his treasures that he would find out and about and would arrange them on the table, I suddenly realized that a nature table was exactly what I had! 

We have really enjoyed finding little treasures for our table and adding other items that the kiddos have made.  When Tobin lost his first tooth, I was thrilled to come across www.nushkie.etsy.com where she had made this wonderful little felted tooth fairy.  It was the perfect addition to our table to commemorate this special time.  Somewhere along the way I picked up this cool wooden bowl which has been a great catch all.  We usually dont let the little one's play with the nature table items, as many of them can be pretty delicate.  However, by keeping our items in this open bowl as opposed to a jar, the kids can touch things and explore with supervision, learning how to handle these items in a gentle way.

 

I have found that this is a really great family activity/ collection that everyone can participate in.  We have jars with sand and shells...and in the fall we have larger jars of pinecones that take up residence in other parts of the house, as they are just too big for the nature table.  I love to see my children exploring thier world and taking interest in the random beauty all around them.  I love being able to bring some of the natural world into our home.  In designating this space for our treasures, we are showing our children that we too revere nature enough to give it a special place in hour home.  I love seeing the excitement on my son's face as he finds a special shell or stone, a look that so many children only get from purchasing something from a store.

If you are thinking about begining a nature table, the summer into the fall is the perfect time to begin!  What are some of the things your family likes to collect near where you live? 

Happy treasure hunting!

alison

Comments

[Emmalina]

Gorgeous! I would love to do something like this, it looks so cute. I really want to have a representation in our home of the shifting seasons and what it means to us. Yours is really elegant, I really like the way you have arranged it all. It is child friendly but also attractive.

Maybe once my tiniest bean is a bit bigger I can start looking beyond the immediate "I need to wash the diapers/floor/children/dishes/windows/dog..." ad infinitum and can start creating these kinds of spaces. Are there any online resources re: waldorf that you'd recommend. Books aren't going to happen right now but I'm in the mood to research something new.

Thanks!

[Emmalina]

P.S Is it weird to know that some random person reads your blog every day?!

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

Hi!
No, it is not weird at all! I actualy started the blogg in hopes of chatting with more like minded mamas who operate the way I do and share my interests!

As for decor, there is nothing I love more than my children's art work and random stuff, but I do like to dress it up... we operate under the idea that everything should be treated with respect, I'm not one for letting the babes throw their toys around
so if it is a decoration or somethig of theirs, it whould be treated well...that helps alot!

I actually do not have 1 Waldorf book! I heard about the nature table, and had seen the silk scarves on different sites...really, we just started adopting little things here and there, less TV, more imaginative play, a more Montessori style "let the kids participate for real" mentality and way more time outside...I am going to explore and see what I find in terms of websites though!

It is tough with a little one and all of the jobs that come with it...my idea would be to pick up just one little glass jar and start filling that up with pebbles, acorns , shells...you'll be amazed how it really begins to take off on it's own!
Have a great weekend!
alison