Create a trail on your wrist
Walks through the woods, on a hillside path or over stepping stones at a neighborhood park are always more fun with children trailing along. It’s so exhilarating when they announce that they’ve caught sight of a bluebird in the distance or a tiny butterfly resting on a pine cone. They spot things we adults often don’t or sometimes can’t see from our vantage point.
One of my favorite ideas for nature walks with kids is creating a nature bracelet they can wear along the hike. They can pick up and collect little treasures they find on the ground and attach them to a strip of clear adhesive-backed paper or masking tape wrapped around the wrist, sticky side out. The “trail on a wrist” might contain anything from a tiny twig from the driveway, a maple leaf lying on the sidewalk or sand from the lakefront. And who can pass up a bright yellow dandelion sprouting by a fence post?
This year I’ve updated the “nature bracelet couture” idea with a new, more durable bracelet that is easier for young kids to handle, using the smaller half-liter-size plastic water bottles.
•First, remove the label, cut off the bottom and then cut off the top spout end of the bottle. (Save the spout end for sand play. It makes a handy funnel for the sandbox or a nice form for building sandcastles at the beach.)
•Cut 1 1/2 -inch-wide bangle braceletlike rings from the rest of the bottle. Wrap a piece of strong sticky tape, such as a good packing tape, around the outside of each plastic bracelet ring. When you wrap it tightly, it won’t slip off. For an adult size, use a larger plastic bottle. Slip the rings on your wrists as you head out for the walk.
When you return home, enjoy the fashion statement throughout dinner, if not longer. Reinforce the “finds” with household glue if you wish. It’s a splendid way to remind kids that they, too, are part of nature. After all, who’s wearing whom?
Extra tip: Cut more plastic rings and decorate with paint, stickers, buttons and other craft supplies for stylish summer bangle bracelets.