Discover and Explore: Arranging a forest

Behind our classroom is a forest. Well, not exactly a forest, it is actually a small set of woods but when you are two, three, or even four years old, it can seem like a forest. Today our Explore and Discover theme is the forest and soon, my preschool class will be exploring our forest but for this post, I am sharing a simple idea my grandson and I came up with to explore our woods and to give grandma something to decorate the table…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

We began by going for a walk and collecting a few samples from our forest.  Although it isn’t fall yet, today felt like a beautiful fall day and it was the perfect day to get outdoors and explore…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

We collected rocks, one leaf, a few flowers, and some pine needles and put them all in a basket to bring back with us to the classroom…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

Once we had our forest collection all spread out so we could see what all we had collected, I gave my grandson a ball of play dough to use as our base for arranging our forest in a small pie tin…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

After he played with the play dough for a bit (making snakes and cows) he decided it was okay that we put the ball of play dough into the pie tin and flatten it out and then we began by poking our collections into the play dough so they would stand up…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

We continued to arrange our forest collection into the pan until all the plants were standing up and then my grandson piled his rocks all around the edges of the pie tin…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

Together we arranged our forest and it looked absolutely lovely on my table…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

And just as quickly as we put the forest together, my grandson decided it was now time to take it all apart…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

So in the end, I at least got some beautiful photos of our forest arrangement and my grandson enjoyed the experience of poking plants in and out of the play dough and we both enjoyed just spending a beautiful afternoon together…

Arranging a Forest by Teach Preschool

Now it’s Your Turn!

Scroll on down and join in the Forest Linky fun!!

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Discover and Explore

Discover and Explore: Forest!

Upcoming Themes:

Currently Open– Forest (I apologize but I missed Farm Week due to the beginning of preschool)

September 11– Fall

September 18– Five Senses

September 25 – Pumpkins

Please read the following guidelines for sharing:

  • Share family-friendly posts related to the weekly topic — kids activities, crafts, recipes, nature outings, printables, etc.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to share your post including one photo in our weekly feature post and on social media channels.
  • Visit 2-3 other posts that have linked up, find some new ideas & meet new friends!
  • If you’d like, grab a button for your post — we love to share and want to find lots of great activities to highlight for you!

The linky will remain open for one week. Then all five co-hosts will feature activities in a separate post the Friday after the linky closes. All featured posts will be shared on the Discover and Explore Pinterest Board.  (Be sure to follow so you don’t miss any features!)

The Discover & Explore Team

KC Edventures  **  Buggy and Buddy **  Fantastic Fun & Learning **  Twodaloo

and me!



Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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