Natural Necklaces
Autumn is in the air! Let’s go outside today to make chestnut necklaces. Children love wearing jewelry they made themselves.
This activity is what we like to call “process art”. First, we go for a walk outside of the school grounds to collect the chestnuts. Then we must drill holes in the chestnuts. Finally, we assemble our necklaces. The process can take up to two weeks for all of the children to complete. It’s important to do things that take time. Children need to learn that, especially when it comes to nature, things don’t happen instantly.
Children learn to persevere with a challenging task.
In addition to learning patience, children experience other benefits from making chestnut necklaces. When children use real tools to achieve something a bit difficult, they develop their self-esteem, confidence and willingness to persevere.
It’s important to teach children how to use tools safely.
When we use hand drills, we
- stay seated
- hold the chestnut so there is no risk of stabbing our hand and
-
Our necklaces had patterns made with wooden beads and chestnuts.
keep our eyes on our work.
An adult is always present when the children use hammers, saws and hand drills. To ensure safety, I often supervise one child at a time. Their classmates are allowed to watch, but only one child works at a time. That is one reason it takes time to complete this project. The other reason is, we must find enough chestnuts. Sometimes this means the children must collect chestnuts on the weekend at home with their families. (A great home-school link!)
Why not head outside to create some natural necklaces?
Every necklace is as unique as the designer who made it.
