September means back to school for most children and an exciting first day for all 4 and 5-year-olds just starting school. The morning school run can be rushed and often frantic but the walk home can allow for a more relaxed pace. So with this in mind and the changing of the season, we’ve created a simple activity which can be taken on the walk home for all ages to enjoy…

Print out our Forest Treasures free printable and take it with you next time you’re walking back from school. Then have a look at the floor around you and see what natural treasures you can see and what ones you can collect. When you get home use your printout to order your forest floor treasures into a pattern. Perhaps friends and siblings can also create one and then you can compare each other’s finds.

Why not photograph your pattern then start all over again? It might help to cover this page with sticky back plastic so it can be wiped clean. Or pop it into a clear plastic folder to take on your walk then you can also store your forest treasures in it too. We like to use plastic folders made from 100% recycled materials.

This activity has been inspired by our new Forest Floor tinker tray box. It comes with a variety of woodland treasures, from pebbles to leaves, for your little one to sort, stack and arrange. The lid is also removable and can be used as a chalkboard to draw a forest scene inspired by the wooden pieces.