Crafts and fun activities especially nature based to teach kids Earth religions?

Question

Anyone have any good ideas? I have a 4 year old so it has to be something not requiring very complex hand coordination, but Im looking for something that still will be interesting enough to keep her attention and my own. Stuff about the sabbats, moon magick, goddesses, just plain nature lore, nature magick, basics, nothing too complex

Answer 1

I have a few and maybe more.

First and easiest is Cloud Art where the child is allowed to collect clouds that they believe is something special to them with a digital camera and tell you what they see. Later they are printed for the child's wall. (Or yours)

A bit more complicated for the adult is the silhouette box. What you'll need is some non-toxic paint, a wooden box with no bottom or top. a piece of screen that can be attached to cover one side of the box. Some large pieces of paper. The child collects natural things such as leaves and twigs and arranges them on the paper. The box is placed over the paper. Small amounts of paint can be put into lids from jars. The child dips the tooth brush into a color then brushed it back and forth on the screen causing a mist of paint to settle over the natural objects and paper. The brush is cleaned. Another color is chosen and brushed onto the objects. The objects may be moved a bit before each brushing. Continue until satisfied and them let dry.

An aside: I've known cloud sculptures as young as four. If it wasn't quite what they said and an adult couldn't see what they could....in minutes the image was quite clear.

Answer 2

Well, what comes immediately to mind since it's summer, is making Green Man masks out of big leaves from sycamores or elephant ears or gluing leaves to paper to make masks and simple hats.

Tying ribbons on a stick to make a first wand -- if he or she hasn't already. It's not hard to do, and children can learn short rhymes and spells at that age if the words and rhythm are bouncy. They don't have to be elaborate or deeply serious.

As far as the deities are concerned, again, short, simple rhymes and prayers are useful, perhaps with some kind of gathering exercise or making something pretty that can go on the family altar at the holidays.

You might also have a look here: http://www.pookachild.com/in_the_nursery.htm

Answer 3

Have you heard of an organization called SpiralScouts?
I just joined, and it's perfect for what you are looking for, as well. A great way to get your children involved in Nature Spirituality, and have some healthy fun as well.

Answer 4

ohhhh!!! i have this native american book that i love!!! its called" the indain way" by Gary McLain...it has that stuff in the back of it and is good to read....

Answer 5

http://www.willowsplace.com/create.asp
http://www.crystalforest1.homestead.com/pagancrafting.html
http://oakdancer.com/parenting.htm
These three sites have tons of great crafts!