Earth Art

Happy Earth Day!

We've all seen kids' eyes light up when presented with a new box of crayons or pens that they haven't tried before.

And while I do think that we do an awfully good job of training people to want new things in our society (see my last post on "The Story of Stuff"), I think that this goes a little deeper - kids are naturally drawn to new things to try and to manipulate.

And one of the best places to get that sort of thing is... outside! (I know, you thought I was going to say Target.)

Seriously... the outdoors is full of stuff to pick up, manipulate, throw, and draw with. It's like a giant box of art supplies. A sandy beach is a fabulous blank sheet. And it gets erased automatically! And dirt is great too. And sticks and rocks can be used to make just about anything.

So next time you're looking for a new medium to use, maybe put off getting yet another set of pens or Play-Doh. Just try going outside.