Nature Tables

Bringing nature into our home is something which my son and I have always enjoyed and we take great pleasure in showing off our finds on a permanent nature table. Creating a designated area like this puts value on his curiosity and love of nature, on his choices as regards what and how things could be presented, plus it puts value on the items themselves.

My role in this ongoing project is to support him with finding props which might aid him in designing an interesting display -  a new cloth, a plant, or suggestions for ways he can use his own toys to add something different. Many times when we greet each other at the end of a school day, one of us is excitedly waving a new treasure we've found, ready to incorporate it into the current display or start off a brand new one. 

 

The tables reflect both the changing seasons and the changes in areas of interest. As he grows my son becomes more inventive with the way he chooses to display items. Sometimes the table has a theme which guides our collecting process. The table below was limited to feathers and bark. Looking for just these items really gave our walks focus and a very deep appreciation of the detail and infinite range of textures and colours these presented. 

Exploring variation of levels has been something of interest since the early days of these creations, as have patterns and symmetry. One particular display might last for weeks, with new items being added and old ones moved or removed altogether. This one below shows the interest in the method of display. Interlocking wooden slats have been used to create a long, stepped showcase. 

This year my son has really been enjoying exploring writing and the nature table has given him a purpose for doing so - carefully labeling the items for others to see.

Of late, the table has reflected his collection of rocks and gems. It is so wonderful to see him carefully positioning each one 'just so' and while passionately discussing each one's features and name.

The display below evolved from a life-size showcase of gemstones, into a small-world gemstone museum for his play people. He enjoyed moving his mini museum visitors around from rock to rock, and voice their awe of the giant gems on display with cries of 'Wow! Look at that enormous crystalised agate!" or "Ooh, see the ginormous iron pyrite!". 

Personally, I have really enjoyed spotting items while out and about which I think would be of interest and I have certainly deepened my appreciation of the bounty provided daily by nature. As for my son, I hope that this has helped to develop his aesthetic sense and inventiveness plus that he feels that his passion for the natural world is being valued by significant others.