Hello! I have used my book, Jacob Starke Loves the Dark, as the starting-point for lots of different nature-related art and writing activities – particularly the bit when The Dark declares:
‘… Don’t you see,
All living things depend on me.’
Here is a version of an activity I’ve developed for schools:
16: How many ways can you describe a leaf*?
* or any other natural (or other) object!
This is all about thoroughly investigating a natural object and describing it in as many ways as possible. Get yourself a large piece of paper and…
- Write down some words that describe the leaf. Tip: think about all five senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and taste (but only if it’s edible!)
- See how many ways you can describe the leaf ‘visually’. You could:
- Draw it and/or paint it
- Print with it – using paint or ink
- Take an impression of it with silver foil or play dough
- Do a ‘rubbing’ of it using a crayon or chalk
- Do a collage of it
- Photograph it
- Crush the leaf into the paper to leave an impression!
These are just a few ideas – I’m sure you can think of more! I’d love to see anything you do – you can email a photo to petarainford@gmail.com, post it on my Peta Rainford’s Facebook page @dogpigeon, or Tweet me @PetaRainford
Here’s my effort, but I’m sure you can do better!
