152 NATURE-BASED EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY
- Sandpaper
- Scissors
- Hacksaw
- Small electric drill
- Variety of drums (frame drums, tom-toms, bongos, pow-
wow, etc.)
Time and space requirements
This activity benefits from access to outdoor areas where there are
a variety of trees and shrubs. For an inside environment, pick a
workspace suitable for interacting with children creatively. If working
in a school with children, the activity can be split into three to four
sessions, each 50 minutes in length. If working at a daycare center,
after-school program, camp or therapeutic center, this can be done
within a three-hour block of time.Appropriate clientele
Children have a natural curiosity for the outdoors and for how the
environment works. A preferred group size may be five to seven
children, ages six to ten years old.Appropriate timing
(Consider group development, stage of individual change.)
Having elementary school-aged children creatively interact
alongside the natural environment helps their personal, social,
emotional and moral development. Children often act on their
emotions, and tapping into these emotions can offer opportunities to
teach emotional identification and regulation. Additionally, nature-
based expressive arts work with elementary age children helps to
develop a sense of purpose, confidence in tackling new tasks and
decision-making skills. Moral development progresses during this age