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t <br />y ~ . <br />A Sampling of Ideas for Engaging Children, Families and Community Members in the Elk <br />River - Handke Family Center Nature Explore Classroom <br />Sketching: Encourage close observation skills by asking children to sketch the most beautiful <br />flower, animal or tree they can find. Help children see broader perspectives by sketching the <br />striking views from many outdoor classroom vantage points. <br />Photography: Give students Polaroid cameras (available through a grant program) and ask them <br />to -take close-up photos of beautiful details, or to photograph trees, etc. from unusual <br />perspectives. <br />~~; <br />Map-making: Encourage children to walk the pathway through plantings then draw a map of <br />their walk. Or, encourage children to map the entire space. <br />Music-making and dancing: Encourage children to create "bee" music on the marimba, or to <br />create a "tree dance" and move like the trees in the space. <br />NOTE: There are "Nature Explore Club" materials for educators (and for families and groups) <br />that could be used in your space that you might find helpful. These are available through the <br />Nature Explore Sourcebook. There are also a series of workshops that give ideas for using <br />Nature Explore Classrooms and supporting children's learning with nature. <br />Ideas for special events for community members and outside visitors: <br />-Performances by dance groups <br />- Performances by a variety of musicians <br />- Mini Farmers' Markets (with produce grown in the space) <br />-Nature Art shows with displays of art created by both children and local adult artists <br />6 <br />