Magical Materials

In this session pupils will explore natural materials to create artistic crafts.
​They will learn why it is important to use natural materials and experience the qualities and uses of them.

10 minutes - Introduction to Centre leader. Name game energiser to quickly get to know each other.

15 minutes - Introduction to Sustainability Ethics. Earth Care, People Care, Fair shares. Visual aids and board to engage and explain. Circle discussion. Earth care: Where do our materials come from? What properties do they have? Man-made vs natural. Using natural materials. Why are they more beneficial for the environment? Fair share: How we share our resources during activities.

20 minutes - Craft activity. Clay tree spirits. Using clay to create creatures or patterns on trees outside in your grounds. Or, if there are no trees, we can do these on card.

OR 20 minutes - Chalk carving with flint. Using chalk and flint from our site. Discovering how chalk is formed. Using the flint as a tool to carve the chalk into shapes. Can be decorated with natural dyes from nature.

20 minutes - Craft activity. Leaf bashing: nature’s paintbox. Using small hammers to bash leaves onto fabric, making beautiful patterns and colours from nature.

​10 minutes - People Care: Circle time with an earth based song. Using sticks to create rhythm.

Curriculum Links:

• Art and Design KS1 - To use a range of materials creatively
• Art and Design KS1 - To develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space 
• Art KS2 - Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including, drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials
• English KS2 - Preparing poems and play scripts to read aloud and to perform, showing understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action
• English KS2 - Discussing words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination