This week, Swan and Heron Class immersed themselves in the world of environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. The children explored how he uses natural objects—leaves, stones, twigs, petals, and water—to create beautiful, temporary artworks that celebrate the outdoors.
Inspired by his creativity, the children experimented with a wide variety of textures and natural materials. They touched, sorted, arranged, and combined objects they collected, noticing patterns, colours, and shapes in the world around them. Using digital media, they also learned to capture their artwork through photographs, just like Goldsworthy does to preserve his fleeting creations.
During our Mini Explorer forest session, the children brought their designs to life. Working both independently and collaboratively, they arranged natural materials to create spirals, lines, and patterns across the forest floor. The sense of pride and focus was wonderful to see, and the children showed great imagination in turning the natural world into their canvas.
This hands‑on experience not only deepened their understanding of Goldsworthy’s art but also encouraged them to look more closely at nature, think creatively, and work as thoughtful, expressive artists.
How to Support This Learning at Home
Here are three simple ways families can extend this learning:
- Collect leaves, pebbles, sticks, or flowers during walks and let your child arrange them into patterns or shapes at home.
- Give your child a phone or tablet to photograph interesting textures—tree bark, shadows, water, petals—and encourage them to talk about what they notice.
- Set up a small outdoor or indoor tray where your child can continue making natural art using materials they gather throughout the week.