Magical Creations with Natural Materials: Christmas Trees on Canvas and Multisensory Learning
CORFU. "The activity combined art, sustainability, sensory experience and the learning of the English language."
(Spyridoula Kokkali) Within the framework of linguistic and creative education, our 'Healthy Little Eaters' crafted unique Christmas trees on canvas using buttons, twine, cinnamon and other natural materials. This activity combined art, sustainability, sensory experience and learning the English language.
Our Activity and Materials:
- Canvas: The primary medium for creation, offering stability and aesthetics.
- Buttons: Repurposed to create ornaments and add colour to the trees.
- Twine: Ideal for forming the lines and structure of the tree.
- Cinnamon: Used as the tree trunk, adding both a visual and olfactory dimension to the creation.
- Natural Materials: Small sticks and bark added depth and character to the children’s works.
The Power of Scent in Learning and Creation:
The use of cinnamon was not only decorative but also sensory. Its warm, distinctive aroma evoked pleasant emotions, enhancing the children’s connection to the activity and engaging their sense of smell. This element added a multisensory dimension to the learning process.
Educational and Scientific Goals:
Ecological Awareness
The children understood the importance of using natural and sustainable materials while practising the reuse of everyday objects.
Scientific Thinking and STEAM Skills
- Art: Crafting the trees stimulated their imagination and aesthetic perception.
- Technology and Engineering: The children explored the use of materials to achieve stability and balance in their compositions.
- Biology: Discussions covered the origins of natural materials, such as twine and cinnamon, and their relationship to the environment.
Practice in English Language Skills
The children learned and used English vocabulary, combining language with creativity. Words such as:
The Significance of Creation:
The Christmas trees on canvas were not merely decorative crafts but an enriched learning experience. Through the activity, the children learned that reuse and the utilisation of natural materials can be enjoyable, creative and environmentally responsible.
A Message of Creativity and Learning:
Their creations demonstrate that even the simplest materials can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable, blending art, language and a sense of responsibility.
Photos: FB / Spyridoula Kokkali
